Nano, Nano
Although it lacks the charm of Kevin Lim’s homegrown video review of the Mighty Mouse, this Ars Technica review of the iPod Nano is extremely thorough and includes a ton of images of the screen in various states and other shots intended to showcase the Nano’s tinyness. I’m seriously considering a Nano to replace my iPod 20G — which exploded after being rained on, a day after the warranty expired — so I found this level of detailed feedback to be very useful. I’ve read a few similar reviews and most can be best summarized as follows: “Dang, this iPod is SMALL! I mean it’s really really Nano!” Ok, got it. It’s an iPod Mini bred with an iPod Shuffle. Good enough for me…
But, the Ars Technica review has something extra which may appeal to the gadget freaks in the audience: a “stress test” and “autopsy” of the poor little Nano. If you always wondered what would happen if you chucked an iPod out of a moving car, that question is answered here. Similarly, if you have long suspected that the click-wheel is powered by an “integrated membrane-style momentary switches controlled by a Cypress CY8C21424 Mixed-Signal Array with On-Chip Controller,” my friend, today is your lucky day. Reminds me of a personal anecdote: One of my earliest memories is sitting at my grandparents’ kitchen table disassembling their clock radio with a pliers and a butter knife just to see what the junk inside looked like. The amazing thing is that my grandmother actually found this to be charming! Shows the difference between parents and grandparents. But I digress…
The Ars Technica review has prompted us to include the iPod Nano, in the coveted #9 spot, on the CoFactors 2005 Holiday Gift Guide. Just don’t let the rain get on it.
