[theTechyDork]

Hey guys!
So, I'm considering buying a 4GB Nano, but I need some opinions and answers to a few questions. First off, I originally wanted a 30GB iPod 5G because of the video capabilities, but from reviews I've heard, the Video really isn't that great. The battery supposedly sucks when it comes to video playback and plus the form factor is kinda big. I already have an iSkin Duo for the iPod Nano, as well. I've had my Mini for a year and only have 161 songs (638.6 MB). I do enjoy the iTunes videos like Desperate Housewives, Lost and South Of Nowhere, but they can all be bought on DVD for a better buy (included special features) and watched on my much bigger 12" screen on my iBook or my 20" TV. So, what do you think? Would a Nano or Video be good for me?

If I did decide to go for the 4GB Nano, a few questions/concerns have come into my mind:

1. Does the iPL (iPod Linux) really work on Nanos? This really isn't a big concern, but I'm just curious because I've heard about it. Are there risks?

2. Can a Nano connect to a TV so I can show photos via an AV cable or something? Or maybe a universal dock? This is my other question. Is the Nano even compatible with the Apple Universal Dock or not?

3. Can you view photos and listen to music at the same time on an iPod?

4. On Apple's site, it says both the 2GB and 4GB hold 25,000 photos. How is that possible if one is bigger than the other?

5. Does the black iPod Nano really scratch easier than the white one? Or is it the other way around? I've heard mixed views on this subject.

6. I know I have dropped my Mini a few times and it is still working fine and it is hard drive based. Even though the Nano is flash based and can withstand jumping and such, if it was in my iSkin Duo and dropped, would it crack or something like that? Is it like incredibly fragile or can it stand a little wear and tear?

7. Lastly, should I wait to get the Nano? I have heard a few rumors that the new Nano maybe released as early as September. What are your thoughts on this?

Now, two more things before I end this semi-long post. First, whatever iPod I get, I will want to use the iHome. It looks like a great device for the price. Does anybody have one? Is it really that great? And can the Nano even play off of it?

Second, does anyone own one of those new Apple iPod FM Tuners? I am considering getting one of those with my new iPod. Does it work well?

Thanks so much. Any input or info you have to offer is appreciated. Sorry for the long post, I just want to make the right choice.
-Cait

EDIT: Oh, and what is with that whole the screen fades to black and white when you don't touch it thing? Can anyone explain? Thanks so much!

[DavidHossack]

2. Not that I know of.

4. Perhaps that is the limit of system that they use.

5. I believe that it shows the scratches more. ie a white line on a black iPod is worse that a white line on a white iPod

6. No guarantees but it has proven robust enough for me. I have dropped most things in life.

7. If a new one is released in September why not wait till July next year... there may be a new one. September is a long time away. Want it now....buy it now. Maybe wait a while if you still like your mini and nothing is wrong with it... mine had a dud battery and I like the smaller form factor of the nano.

8. the iHome website says it will work. They use adapters for the different models.

9. The universal dock works with the nano (remote yes - tv no). An adapter comes with the nano for it. It will work with the mini aswell since a mini adapter comes with the dock.

10. The FM tuner works OK. Better than my phone. Does need a decent signal though. I like mine since I do get fed up of my music. Started to listen to Chris Evans on BBC R2 on Saturdays. The remote is also a decent shape.

11. Do you mean the screen backlight switching off to save power?

[theTechyDork]

Thanks, David! Do you or anyone else know if the FM Tuner drains battery faster?

[DavidHossack]

Originally Posted by theTechyDork

Thanks, David! Do you or anyone else know if the FM Tuner drains battery faster?

Not scientific but I think it may a bit.

[volcano]

[In no partcular order, mind you]
1. Get the Nano. You have no use for the larger model, seeing as how you only have around 600MB of music. The video feature isn't a necessity - it's just icing on an already sweet cake. You'll appreciate the small size, too.

2. I wouldn't worry about the Nano being fragile.

In fact, it's pretty darn tough.

3. The black models don't scratch "easier" than the white ones; rather, the scratches are more pronounced and apparent on black models. I've had my Invisible Shield on my iPod video since day one, and I don't have a single scratch yet.

4. The video doesn't completely "suck" on the video models - it's just an annoyance that you have to down-convert all your video files from .avi or .mov to .mp4, which has fewer frames per second. But, regardless, the video looks crisp, clean, and clear on my iPod and I have no complaints. Battery life while watching video is an annoyance to an extent, but I've watched my DVD rips of Garden State and Donnie Darko (on two separate occasions, mind you) on my 30GB model and the battery didn't die on me.

5.

7. Lastly, should I wait to get the Nano? I have heard a few rumors that the new Nano maybe released as early as September. What are your thoughts on this?

Not to sound too sarcastic here: but you're kidding me, right? You're willing to wait until September (seven months!) just to get the newest model? If the current Nano fits your needs, buy it now. Besides, rumors are just that - rumors. When the original Mini was released, it was over a year before they were updated.

6. I received the iHome audio system for Christmas. Every iPod model is compatible - they include an attachment for every model you can think of. It replaced my aging alarm clock in my bedroom. I must admit - the sound is awesome for such a small device, but it won't be replacing my Altec Lansing FX6021 speakers attached to my iMac. But, for what I use it for (alarm clock, casual listening when I don't want to wake my iMac, sleep feature to listen to the songs of my choice while I drift off to sleep...), it works wonderfully. I would recommend it.

On that note, I'll mention my thoughts on two issues that many people have with this device:

i. "Gentle Waking Feature." It doesn't really exist. The alarm does gradually increase from a level of zero - but it goes to level 20 in a manner of seconds. Yes, it is loud. Do I mind? Heck no! I love an alarm that is guaranteed to wake me up - no matter how hard I may be sleeping beforehand. On my old alarm, I would wake up halfway, shut it off, then go back to sleep - without realizing it until after I woke up late. I don't have this problem anymore.

ii. The LCD display. It has three levels - 100%, 99%, and roughly 25%. Many users complain that even the 25% brightness is way too bright at night - but I don't. It does glow, but its not bright enough that it hinders me from falling asleep and staying asleep. Plus, I've found it handy as an "emergency" nightlight when I wake up in the middle of the night for any particular reason - it works great.

Oddly enough, my iHome system doesn't even match my iPod. I have the white iHome model and a black 5G iPod - but with that said, every other Mac-related product in my bedroom (iMac, iBook, mouse/keyboard, etc) are all white, so I figured it's better that it match the aesthetics of my bedroom rather than my iPod. The black model just wouldn't look right