Review: Apple's new iPod nano is a 5G video iPod in a nano-thin shell

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Comments

  • Reply 41 of 68
    jeffdmjeffdm Posts: 12,951member
    Even if the US sales of iTunes music is only 1B tracks, that still outstrips TV show sales by 10:1 It's been a while, but the last survey basically said that the average video use on an iPod was less than 5% of its overall use. I really don't think video sells the iPod for most people, it's a bullet point and not used that much.
  • Reply 42 of 68
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by JeffDM View Post


    Even if the US sales of iTunes music is only 1B tracks, that still outstrips TV show sales by 10:1 It's been a while, but the last survey basically said that the average video use on an iPod was less than 5% of its overall use. I really don't think video sells the iPod for most people, it's a bullet point and not used that much.



    If they removed the video and dropped the price by $100, I would be the first in line to buy a 160GB music-only ipod. But at current pricing, I want the ability to carry and view my family's home movies too, as well as a few episodes of Star Trek TNG.
  • Reply 43 of 68
    jeffdmjeffdm Posts: 12,951member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by bg_nyc View Post


    If they removed the video and dropped the price by $100, I would be the first in line to buy a 160GB music-only ipod. But at current pricing, I want the ability to carry and view my family's home movies too, as well as a few episodes of Star Trek TNG.



    $100 isn't what gets you the video capability, that gets you the huge drive.



    That still doesn't change the fact that the video capabilities are a very tiny share of the average video iPod's usage.
  • Reply 44 of 68
    melgrossmelgross Posts: 33,510member
    Well guys, if you're willing to wait a few years, and we all are, aren't we, then the solution is in sight. All the content you could ever think to ask for will be carried on your iPod, or phone.



    http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/11/te...ss&oref=slogin
  • Reply 45 of 68
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by carlosal59 View Post


    What about the sound? How does it compare to the older Ipods and Nanos?



    I'm curious about sound as well. I've had to "normalize" most of the music on itunes, and they all play at somewhat a consistent volume on my ipod and shuffle. But on my 2G nano the volume is ALL over the place, even with the nano's volume check turned on. it's terrible. I can only imagine it's a bit better on the 3G nanos???
  • Reply 46 of 68
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Mr. H View Post


    I'm confused. Were you trying to do video out of the headphone jack? I think the old iPods did that, but the new ones will only do it from the dock connector. If the Apple guy didn't tell you that, he's not very good at his job.



    Yah, another $50 I need to spend to replace the $30 cable I bought the first time... sigh
  • Reply 47 of 68
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by JeffDM View Post


    $100 isn't what gets you the video capability, that gets you the huge drive.



    That still doesn't change the fact that the video capabilities are a very tiny share of the average video iPod's usage.



    I didnt say it did change that 'fact', and I wasn't necessarily disagreeing with you.



    $100 gets you the huge hard drive? Maybe so, but what does the other $250 get you? My point was that a portion of product cost is dedicated to offering the video capability. If they strip that out and charge a reasonably reduced price, I'd want it. But the current pricing is such that they need to provide more than just a music player.



    Technology is cheap enough to charge just 50% of the current price for what is essentially a 3G ipod with a 160GB hard drive. That would be $175. A SATA 2.5" notebook drive can be had for less than $100 (retail). Put on a monochrome 1.5" screen (without coverflow) and I'm happy. But if you want to charge 349, you've got to have video capability too. If you interpret that as meaning that video capability costs $175, I think you'd be incorrect because theres also an implied margin and a the 'Apple Premium'.
  • Reply 48 of 68
    jeffdmjeffdm Posts: 12,951member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by bg_nyc View Post


    I didnt say it did change that 'fact', and I wasn't necessarily disagreeing with you.



    $100 gets you the huge hard drive? Maybe so, but what does the other $250 get you?



    The machine with the first 80GB?



    Quote:

    My point was that a portion of product cost is dedicated to offering the video capability. If they strip that out and charge a reasonably reduced price, I'd want it. But the current pricing is such that they need to provide more than just a music player.



    But you are the one that brought this up. Nobody is suggesting to strip out the video part, which I doubt costs more than 20$ anyway. I think the drive itself is still the most expensive part of the device.



    Quote:

    Technology is cheap enough to charge just 50% of the current price for what is essentially a 3G ipod with a 160GB hard drive. That would be $175. A SATA 2.5" notebook drive can be had for less than $100 (retail)



    It's not a 2.5" drive in there. The entire iPod is about the size of a 2.5" drive. Go find the price of a 160GB 1.8" drive. Don't use the price of the wrong type of drive in your guesstimates.



    Quote:

    If you interpret that as meaning that video capability costs $175, I think you'd be incorrect because theres also an implied margin and a the 'Apple Premium'.



    The net profit on the typical iPod probably doesn't exceed 20%. Maybe 10% of that could be considered the "Apple premium".
  • Reply 49 of 68
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by JeffDM View Post


    I really don't think video sells the iPod for most people, it's a bullet point and not used that much...



    But you are the one that brought this up. Nobody is suggesting to strip out the video part, which I doubt costs more than 20$ anyway. I think the drive itself is still the most expensive part of the device.



    I used it as an example to expand on your first comment about the video capability being irrelevant. Again, my point is that if you are right, they should be able to drop the video portion and charge the same, because as you mention, its "not used that much" anyway and does not drive ipod sales. My point was that they probably could not because people want it and pay for it, even if they don't use it very much.



    If they dropped the video portion, people would expect a severe drop in the price, probably alot more than the $20 you mention. Probably even more than $100 because theres alot of perceived value in the video capabilities, even if its relatively cheap to add and its "not used that much".



    Quote:
    Originally Posted by JeffDM View Post


    It's not a 2.5" drive in there. The entire iPod is about the size of a 2.5" drive. Go find the price of a 160GB 1.8" drive. Don't use the price of the wrong type of drive in your guesstimates.



    Ok you got me there. The retail on a 1.8" drive is significantly more.
  • Reply 50 of 68
    jeffdmjeffdm Posts: 12,951member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by bg_nyc View Post


    I used it as an example to expand on your first comment about the video capability being irrelevant. Again, my point is that if you are right, they should be able to drop the video portion and charge the same, because as you mention, its "not used that much" anyway and does not drive ipod sales. My point was that they probably could not because people want it and pay for it, even if they don't use it very much.



    Just keep in mind that I wasn't remotely suggesting that the video features be dropped. I just didn't think it right for people to overplay its significance. iPods sell very well even in countries that don't have iTunes video for sale, which is still almost all of them.
  • Reply 51 of 68
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by JeffDM View Post


    Just keep in mind that I wasn't remotely suggesting that the video features be dropped. I just didn't think it right for people to overplay its significance. iPods sell very well even in countries that don't have iTunes video for sale, which is still almost all of them.



    Uh... yes. I'll keep that in mind... nobody was suggesting that you were suggesting that.



    At the end, I agree that video is not that crucial in use, but its HUGE at the point of sale. The idea of putting on and watching a ton of moves has a certain 'sex appeal' to many, even though the average user probably doesn't even know how to put video on there outside of buying it from iTMS.
  • Reply 52 of 68
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by JeffDM View Post


    Then you'll have to learn the art of compromise. You can't have everything. That said, HDD players aren't horribly unreliable, I had accidentally dropped mine onto concrete several times, but the reliability did degrade, it did need to be replaced after maybe a dozen drops.



    Then I will have to wait for flash-memory to reach at least 30 GB at a reasonable price.







    Quote:
    Originally Posted by JeffDM View Post


    I don't think 1 year is likely, even for a heavy user. I think the typical range is 2-4 years.



    Apple has never used screws, though many of their competitors have. I really don't see why you have a problem with screws, doing it after three years is fine. The cost of the service is low enough for me, and I still haven't needed to use it yet. I use my player for several hours every day.



    Even if it is 2-4 years, I don't like the idea of having to turn in my player to a repairservice to replace the battery, which would cost at least 40$ to do.



    It would be much better to have a battery-door, where you can slide in a new battery for 5-10$.



    That way you could even have multiple batteries at your hand, fully charged and slipping in a new one whenever the other is empty, which would be great for travelling.



    I hope the 30GB-ipod-nano in the future will offer a battery-door, using standard and readily available lithium-ion-batteries.



    If not, then I will have to look for a player from another competitor.



    By the way is the soundquality of the ipod still the best or has it been outclassed?



    Nightcrawler
  • Reply 53 of 68
    mr. hmr. h Posts: 4,870member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Nightcrawler View Post


    I hope the 30GB-ipod-nano in the future will offer a battery-door, using standard and readily available lithium-ion-batteries.



    I fully expect that that will never happen.





    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Nightcrawler View Post


    If not, then I will have to look for a player from another competitor.



    Careful not to cut off your nose to spite your face.



    If you are that concerned about battery life, you can get a variety of battery packs, solar rechargers and the like that attach via the dock connector.
  • Reply 54 of 68
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Mr. H View Post


    Careful not to cut off your nose to spite your face.



    If you are that concerned about battery life, you can get a variety of battery packs, solar rechargers and the like that attach via the dock connector.



    Interesting, is there a battery-pack that would allow to use a rechargeable lithium-ion- or lithium-polymer-battery to be connected via the dock connector?



    If so, then my problem were solved, leaving only one question:

    Is the ipod, classic or nano, still the mp3-player with the best sound or has it been already outclassed in that department?



    Nightcrawler
  • Reply 55 of 68
    Here are a couple lithium polymer ones right here.



    http://www.amazon.com/Jwin-Electroni...9696259&sr=1-2



    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...d_i=B000F7853W



    I think there are probably others.



    I imagine it may be a few months before any designed specifically for the new nano show up.



    Hey, here's a lithium-ion one



    http://www.amazon.com/Apple-iPod-Por...9696540&sr=1-2
  • Reply 56 of 68
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Flounder View Post


    Here are a couple lithium polymer ones right here.



    http://www.amazon.com/Jwin-Electroni...9696259&sr=1-2



    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...d_i=B000F7853W



    I think there are probably others.



    I imagine it may be a few months before any designed specifically for the new nano show up.



    Hey, here's a lithium-ion one



    http://www.amazon.com/Apple-iPod-Por...9696540&sr=1-2



    Thanks for the info, a bit expensive though with 50$ it is even more expensive than a repairservice-replacement of Apple's battery, but at least the option is there.



    But what about the soundquality of the ipods, have they still the best one out there or not?



    Nightcrawler
  • Reply 57 of 68
    melgrossmelgross Posts: 33,510member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Nightcrawler View Post


    Even if it is 2-4 years, I don't like the idea of having to turn in my player to a repairservice to replace the battery, which would cost at least 40$ to do.



    It would be much better to have a battery-door, where you can slide in a new battery for 5-10$.



    These batteries cost more than that. The rechargeable battery for my phone costs almost $40. The rechargeable battery for my Panasonic portable home phone costs $35.



    Don't be so sure that you would save too much. These batteries are all very specialized.



    Quote:

    If not, then I will have to look for a player from another competitor.



    If that's your only requirement for a player, then buy a SanDisk, or something else.



    Quote:

    By the way is the soundquality of the ipod still the best or has it been outclassed?



    Nightcrawler



    It's the same as it has been. It's only the quality of the headphones that remains mediocre.
  • Reply 58 of 68
    jeffdmjeffdm Posts: 12,951member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Nightcrawler View Post


    It would be much better to have a battery-door, where you can slide in a new battery for 5-10$.



    The idea of a removable battery in a pocket media device is nice in principle, it really doesn't work so well in practice, at least for me. I usually get maybe four years out of such a device, but a hook, catch or latch on the device ends up breaking, so it wouldn't hold a battery anyway.
  • Reply 59 of 68
    melgrossmelgross Posts: 33,510member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by JeffDM View Post


    The idea of a removable battery in a pocket media device is nice in principle, it really doesn't work so well in practice, at least for me. I usually get maybe four years out of such a device, but a hook, catch or latch on the device ends up breaking, so it wouldn't hold a battery anyway.



    That's true. I've seen several phones from my daughters friends, as they're always bringing me their broken devices to see if I can fix them.



    Most of the time, it's the battery latches, or the small fingers at the top of the battery, or enclosure, that have either broken or worn down from the battery popping out when they're dropped. Sometimes I can fix them, and sometimes not. But the repair services won't do what I do to fix them. Mostly, their parents don't buy the insurance, so they're on their own when they break.
  • Reply 60 of 68
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by JeffDM View Post


    The idea of a removable battery in a pocket media device is nice in principle, it really doesn't work so well in practice, at least for me. I usually get maybe four years out of such a device, but a hook, catch or latch on the device ends up breaking, so it wouldn't hold a battery anyway.



    Good argument, on my hi-minidisc I'm very careful when taking the battery out because I fear that the latch might break off.



    I have looked a bit more into the battery-topic, and it seems that lithium-ion and lithium-polymer-batteries don't have a memory-effect any more and are better formable and can give more voltage than the nickel-hybrid-batteries.



    The major new problem though is that the lithium-batteries lose their capability to hold a charge just by passing time, ie. regardless of the number of charge-cycles, even if the battery is merely sitting on the shelf doing nothing with it, it loses its capability constantly over time.

    Lithium-polymer holds on longer than lithium-ion, though.



    The other problem is that lithium-batteries seem to have a problem with heat, with the possibility of burning and/or explosion. Ok all batteries have problems with extreme heat, but these new lithium-ones seem to be way more sensitive in that regard. Remember the Sony-debacle with its batteries?



    As to the sound-quality of the ipod classic, I have done a bit research in geek-forums around the globe, and there are geeks that measured and compared the soundquality, both subjectively and objectively with curves and such stuff, with the best sounding mp3-players out there which seemed to be irivers and cowon's players.



    They found out, that the new ipod classic sounded clearly the best, even beating cowon's d2-player, way better than the previous generations of ipods, which had mediocre sound according to these geeks.



    They could attribute the drastic sound-improvement to a new chip in the ipod classic.



    So kudos to Apple to have produced the best sounding mp3-player on the market with the ipod classic. I'm not sure if the nano has the same technology, soundwise as the classic.



    What is though missing is a line-in and the possibility to record sounds. It would be great if Apple chose to turn the next generation of ipod-classic into a sort of recording-unit with the same or better recording-quality and capabilities than Sony's hi-minidisc-recorders.



    That would be great for hobby-musicians and would also jive with Garage-Band.



    Oh, it would also be good to include an adapter in the package so that one can operate the ipod classic without battery.

    It would also be great if one could use the ipod classic as a generic harddisk with drag and drop capability without being forced to use only itunes.



    Nightcrawler
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