Apple iPod Nano (3rd generation):Product Review

The third generation iPod nano differs from its predecessors with its wider screen and it's ability to play video. The display screen takes up more than half of the device, making it easier to watch videos. The ability to watch videos is one of Nano's biggest selling points. Consumers will also notice the Nano's new wider and stouter shape that was designed with the user's palm in mind.

The shape accommodates both the new screen and Apple's scroll wheel. Although, the long, thin stick designed has been replaced with the new wider look, the third generation iPod still delivers its thin profile as the previous Nano. This iPod remains nice and light at 1.7 ounce, though it's slightly heavier than the previous Nano.

The Nano's 2-inch screen is a half-inch wider than the previous Nano. This half-inch makes a huge difference. It allows users to watch videos for a longer period of time. Photos and videos are crisp and bright with the screen's 320-by-240 resolution, at 204 pixels per inch.

Apple reports Nano's screen to be 65 percent brighter than its previous Nano. This enhancement also makes viewing videos more comfortable. However, if you're in a dark room or setting you may want to turn the lights off, because the screen may become too bright. The three generation iPod can still manage images reformatted by iTunes and 30-fps H.264-encoded video clips.

Nano's revamped interface consists of two major changes. These changes include the introduction of Cover Flow, which lets you to visually browse through your album collection, and the other change is the use of the white space on the right half of the screen. This, once bright white space, now gives you a preview of your menu selection.

The iPod nano (3rd generation) is available in 4 GB or 8 GB capacity and comes in 5 colors: silver, black, red, metallic pastel blue, and metallic pastel green.

Need another way to distinguish the iPod nano (3rd generation) from its relatives?

You can distinguish this player from other nanos with the last three digits of the serial number. Each generation of iPods serial numbers differ by the last three digits. This Nano serial number's last three digits will be one of the following: YOP, YOR, YXR, YXT, YXV, YXX.