A few days ago, Apple unveiled the iPod nano 5G. This new iteration of the iPod nano has not changed much in terms of design. By cons, there was still enriched with new features and a video sensor … So, we offer you a little test, just to see if it’s worth it … or not.IPod nano 5G side has not changed design over the previous model. The “form factor is identical with a device length while endowed with a screen on the facade occupying almost ¾ of it and a click wheel just below has been reduced, if you have big fingers the latter starts to be really small. The screen is now 2.2 “with a resolution of 240 × 376 and appears brighter.On the top we find the button “hold” and on the bottom, the dock connector (USB) and the 3.5 mm jack. On the back is the last big new presence in the bottom left of a VGA video sensor with a microphone and a loudspeaker and all will be able to record video in VGA format H. 264 and up to 30fps!
The iPod Nano 5G is still impressive in its size because it is very fine with a size of 90.7 × 38.7 × 6.2 mm for a light weight of 36.4 g. Finally, the brushed aluminum that was present on the fourth generation gives way to polished aluminum that resists scratches, but not fingerprints, it said nothing as alarming on the back of iPod touch since this is not the aluminum mirror!
The player is quite easy to take in hand, although the polished aluminum makes it a little slippery, especially when compared to iPod nano previous generation. Moreover, it can be controlled easily with one hand. It is available in nine colors, for 149 € the 8GB version and 179 € the 16GB version.
The interface of the 5G iPod nano has not changed from the previous model. We found a classic interface and Apple, both streamlined and ergonomic. The features Accelerometer, Genius, CoverFlow, Shuffle Shake, Games, Calendar, Calendar, Contacts, Clock, Stopwatch, Alarm or Nike + are always present.
The video is obviously still present on the nano 5G. So nothing new to this side! To play a video on this player, you must first encode the format of it with iTunes or other software (Videora for example) and it takes time, unless you buy your movies directly from iTunes. I think the screen has a record of good quality, with beautiful colors. Video playback on the Nano, is only horizontal. Watch an entire movie on the nano, is the performance … But a video podcast, a trailer, a clip or a series, why not. Regarding subtitles, the iPod does not know how to manage where the file is provided separately, so you need to include them in your video when reencoding.
FM Tuner
It is even RDS and works very well, but only with headphones. It is possible to store multiple stations and especially the direct control with the option “Break the line” (TimeShift) which reverts to 15 minutes behind. By cons, it is not possible to actually record the radio.
Voice Over
This feature was previously available on the last shuffle. This option sets the title and artist of the song you hear. Just press the click wheel or the buttons on the headphones to hear, when the title is read. Note that it is possible to activate the “voice menu” to order the player almost blind since a voice to appoint all menus latter. It is a function called “accessibility” that includes 5G iPod nano.
Pedometer
If you do not have Nike +, iPod nano 5G loads now a pedometer, which, once configured, will count your steps through the accelerometer player. Nothing revolutionary again, but a feature that may be useful for athletes. It is even possible to set daily goals and have the number of calories lost. And yes, Wii Fit on Nintendo Wii has been emulated.
Voice Memos
Neither more nor less than a microphone, which can take voice memos. Quality is correct when you are next to the microphone, because the further away, the more degraded. The microphone is placed behind the player, just above the video sensor.
Loudspeaker
Fortunately, it is not very powerful, but in a quiet room it means enough. By cons, fortunately or not, the subway is going to be a disaster crackling … It is not possible to deactivate the speakerphone, which works only when the headphones are unplugged.
Video Camera
It is THE novelty of this iPod nano. Apple has indeed equipped with this little player, a VGA video sensor (H.264, 640 x 480 pixels up to 30fps) Ultra flat. It records in MP4 format with AAC sound.
Despite its small size, the video rendering is correct, it is far from the HD course, but say that any sensor is available on a mobile phone. Be aware though that as soon as he is too dark, it will be difficult to use.
What is nice is that it is possible to shoot in any direction, since the nano accelerometer automatically rotates the display. However, the sensor is really the wrong place (the back lower left). Indeed, there is a way to hold otherwise, your index will necessarily find on the sensor. Maybe Apple had no choice but forced to hold the device with your fingertips … Not easy.
15 “special effects” in real time are available in video mode: Sepia, Black & White, X-Ray, Film Grain, thermal, security camera, Cyborg, Bulge, Kaleidoscope, Blur lively, Mirror, Light Tunnel, Hollow, Stretch and Whirlpool. Again, nothing transcendent, but I must confess myself a good time to test each of them! To get them, just leave a few seconds press the center button of the dial.
Little detail has its importance, there is no need to launch iTunes to retrieve the recorded video! This is done directly on the player in the folder “DCIM” folder from the root.
Attention to technical reasons, so says Apple, the sensor can not take pictures. Ironically, the iPod nano has a camera mode to view only the photos you put on the player via iTunes … What’s wrong. Yes, I know, photos in VGA is not what is best, but sometimes it’s better than nothing and it is always nice.
This feature will not replace your camcorder obviously not a true camcorder, but compared to mini-camcorders like the Creative Vado HD, Flip Video and Kodak Zi6, it could probably do it. It is true indeed that the quality is poorer, and have two devices (see three with your phone) Capture video becomes a bit absurd. But switch to the new iPod because it’s video, also!
Audio
Nothing really new, always use iTunes to transfer its securities, so the navigation is done by tags: Artists, Albums, Songs, Genres, Composers …
You have also understood, no classification folder as some players, tickets and albums have interest in being tagged as well if not you may have nice surprises.
There is still a research system designed well enough, if you have a huge music library or if you simply looking for a title / artist in particular. It is still possible to navigate the menus while the title is read. Finally, the Coverflow has gained sped and is still going on landscape when you tilt the player. Fortunately, this can be disabled and thus remain in portrait mode.
Recall the audio compatibility: AAC (8 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Store), HE-AAC, MP3 (8 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, 4, Audible Enhanced Audio), Apple Lossless, AIFF and WAV.
Regarding quality audio player, it is rather good, although I find it slightly below that of the Cowon S9. Indeed, the sound of the iPod is less detailed and very rough, so we like it or not, I do not like Me too, but this does not mean it’s bad!
Note that Apple provides a large number of EQ presets but honestly, it’s frankly not top and there was still no EQ personal. By cons, iPod Gapless is always a nice feature especially for such lives. The headphones that Apple provides with the player are still not at top, and even if the remote is handy if you can change it, do it.
Recall the video compatibility: H.264 video, up to 1.5 Mbps, 640 x 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Low-Complexity version of the H.264 Baseline Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in. m4v,. mp4 and. mov, H.264 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 x 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Baseline Profile up to Level 3.0 with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in. m4v,. mp4 and. mov, MPEG-4 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 x 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in. m4v,. mp4 and. mov.
Autonomy and transfer
The new iPod nano was shameless with lots of new features, but unfortunately you will always go through iTunes (and therefore not included in free download on Apple’s site) to fill it with music, videos and photos …
The device connects to your computer via a USB 2.0 cable with dock connector port owner. It is not recognized as an external hard drive UMS and you can use it as such, just to carry data.
Side autonomy, it has not changed, Apple announced 24hrs audio video cons 5am. I have not checked for video, but audio is there around 22h, only music with a mix of MP3 files encoded at 128kbps and 320kbps AAC files. Autonomy itself quite correct!
Note that the player has a fast charge, about 1:30, which charges up to 80% of battery capacity. For a full charge, allow 3 hours via USB.
Most
Most Many features (FM tuner, Micro Pedometer …), Finishing, strength, ergonomics, Display Quality, Video Camera Limited, Re-encoding required for videos, Proprietary USB cable / iTunes required
As always, the iPod nano should be the star player this season. But for once, this is not by chance, because Apple has managed to evolve in the right direction its small player, with the addition of features that were hitherto the happiness of its competitors.Car may have not said, the iPod nano 5G is a fairly complete player even if limitations persist that his video camera is more a gimmick than anything else and that the audio quality will not satisfy most audiophiles of you. I now look forward to the reactions of the competition … or not.
Design and Hardware
IPod nano 5G side has not changed design over the previous model. The “form factor is identical with a device length while endowed with a screen on the facade occupying almost ¾ of it and a click wheel just below has been reduced, if you have big fingers the latter starts to be really small. The screen is now 2.2 “with a resolution of 240 × 376 and appears brighter.
On the top we find the button “hold” and on the bottom, the dock connector (USB) and the 3.5 mm jack.
On the back is the last big new presence in the bottom left of a VGA video sensor with a microphone and a loudspeaker and all will be able to record video in VGA format H. 264 and up to 30fps!
The 5G iPod nano is still impressive in its size because it is very fine with a size of 90.7 × 38.7 × 6.2 mm for a light weight of 36.4 g.
Finally, the brushed aluminum that was present on the fourth generation gives way to polished aluminum that resists scratches, but not fingerprints, it said nothing as alarming on the back of iPod touch since this is not the aluminum mirror!
The player is quite easy to take in hand, although the polished aluminum makes it a little slippery, especially when compared to iPod nano previous generation. Moreover, it can be controlled easily with one hand.
It is available in nine colors, for 149 € the 8GB version and 179 € the 16GB version.
Video Presentation
Features
The interface of the 5G iPod nano has not changed from the previous model. We found a classic interface and Apple, both streamlined and ergonomic.
The features Accelerometer, Genius, CoverFlow, Shuffle Shake, Games, Calendar, Calendar, Contacts, Clock, Stopwatch, Alarm or Nike + are always present.
By cons, it hosts some significant new features:
FM Tuner
It is even RDS and works very well, but only with headphones. It is possible to store multiple stations and especially the direct control with the option “Break the line” (TimeShift) which reverts to 15 minutes behind. By cons, it is not possible to actually record the radio.
VoiceOver
This feature was previously available on the last shuffle. This option sets the title and artist of the song you hear. Just press the click wheel or the buttons on the headphones to hear, when the title is read. Note that it is possible to activate the “voice menu” to order the player almost blind since a voice to appoint all menus latter. It is a function called “accessibility” that includes 5G iPod nano.
Pedometer
If you do not have Nike +, iPod nano 5G loads now a pedometer, which, once configured, will count your steps through the accelerometer player. Nothing revolutionary again, but a feature that may be useful for athletes. It is even possible to set daily goals and have the number of calories lost. And yes, Wii Fit on Nintendo Wii has been emulated.
Voice Memos
Neither more nor less than a microphone, which can take voice memos. Quality is correct when you are next to the microphone, because the further away, the more degraded. The microphone is placed behind the player, just above the video sensor.
Loudspeaker
Fortunately, it is not very powerful, but in a quiet room it means enough. By cons, fortunately or not, the subway is going to be a disaster crackling … It is not possible to deactivate the speakerphone, which works only when the headphones are unplugged.
Video Camera
It is THE novelty of this iPod nano. Apple has indeed equipped with this little player, a VGA video sensor (H.264, 640 x 480 pixels up to 30fps) Ultra flat. It records in MP4 format with AAC sound.
Despite its small size, the video rendering is correct, it is far from the HD course, but say that any sensor is available on a mobile phone. Be aware though that as soon as he is too dark, it will be difficult to use.
What is nice is that it is possible to shoot in any direction, since the nano accelerometer automatically rotates the display. However, the sensor is really the wrong place (the back lower left). Indeed, there is a way to hold otherwise, your index will necessarily find on the sensor. Maybe Apple had no choice but forced to hold the device with your fingertips … Not easy.
15 “special effects” in real time are available in video mode: Sepia, Black & White, X-Ray, Film Grain, thermal, security camera, Cyborg, Bulge, Kaleidoscope, Blur lively, Mirror, Light Tunnel, Hollow, Stretch and Whirlpool. Again, nothing transcendent, but I must confess myself a good time to test each of them! To get them, just leave a few seconds press the center button of the dial.
Little detail has its importance, there is no need to launch iTunes to retrieve the recorded video! This is done directly on the player in the folder “DCIM” folder from the root.
Example: iPod nano vs. 5G iPhone 3GS
Attention to technical reasons, so says Apple, the sensor can not take pictures. Ironically, the iPod nano has a camera mode to view only the photos you put on the player via iTunes … What’s wrong. Yes, I know, photos in VGA is not what is best, but sometimes it’s better than nothing and it is always nice.
This feature will not replace your camcorder obviously not a true camcorder, but compared to mini-camcorders like the Creative Vado HD, Flip Video and Kodak Zi6, it could probably do it. It is true indeed that the quality is poorer, and have two devices (see three with your phone) Capture video becomes a bit absurd. But switch to the new iPod because it’s video, also!
Audio
Nothing really new, always use iTunes to transfer its securities, so the navigation is done by tags: Artists, Albums, Songs, Genres, Composers …
You have also understood, no classification folder as some players, tickets and albums have interest in being tagged as well if not you may have nice surprises.
There is still a research system designed well enough, if you have a huge music library or if you simply looking for a title / artist in particular.
It is still possible to navigate the menus while the title is read.
Finally, the Coverflow has gained speed and is still going on landscape when you tilt the player. Fortunately, this can be disabled and thus remain in portrait mode.
Recall the audio compatibility: AAC (8 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Store), HE-AAC, MP3 (8 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, 4, Audible Enhanced Audio), Apple Lossless, AIFF and WAV.
Regarding quality audio player, it is rather good, although I find it slightly below that of the Cowon S9. Indeed, the sound of the iPod is less detailed and very rough, so we like it or not, I do not like Me too, but this does not mean it’s bad!
Note that Apple provides a large number of EQ presets but honestly, it’s frankly not top and there was still no EQ personal. By cons, iPod Gapless is always a nice feature especially for such lives.
The headphones that Apple provides with the player are still not at top, and even if the remote is handy if you can change it, do it.
Video
The video is obviously still present on the nano 5G. So nothing new to this side!
To play a video on this player, you must first encode the format of it with iTunes or other software (Videora for example) and it takes time, unless you buy your movies directly from iTunes. I think the screen has a record of good quality, with beautiful colors. Video playback on the Nano, is only horizontal.
Watch an entire movie on the nano, is the performance … But a video podcast, a trailer, a clip or a series, why not.
Regarding subtitles, the iPod does not know how to manage where the file is provided separately, so you need to include them in your video when reencoding.
Recall the video compatibility: H.264 video, up to 1.5 Mbps, 640 x 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Low-Complexity version of the H.264 Baseline Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in. m4v,. mp4 and. mov, H.264 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 x 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Baseline Profile up to Level 3.0 with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in. m4v,. mp4 and. mov, MPEG-4 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 x 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in. m4v,. mp4 and. mov.
Autonomy and transfer
The new iPod nano was shameless with lots of new features, but unfortunately you will always go through iTunes (and therefore not included in free download on Apple’s site) to fill it with music, videos and photos …
The device connects to your computer via a USB 2.0 cable with dock connector port owner. It is not recognized as an external hard drive UMS and you can use it as such, just to carry data.
Side autonomy, it has not changed, Apple announced 24hrs audio video cons 5am. I have not checked for video, but audio is there around 22h, only music with a mix of MP3 files encoded at 128kbps and 320kbps AAC files. Autonomy itself quite correct!
Note that the player has a fast charge, about 1:30, which charges up to 80% of battery capacity. For a full charge, allow 3 hours via USB.
Conclusion
As always, the iPod nano should be the star player this season. But for once, this is not by chance, because Apple has managed to evolve in the right direction its small player, with the addition of features that were hitherto the happiness of its competitors.
Car may have not said, the iPod nano is a fairly complete player even if limitations persist that his video camera is more a gimmick than anything else and that the audio quality will not satisfy most audiophiles of you. I now look forward to the reactions of the competition … or not.
Most
Many features (FM tuner, Micro Pedometer …)
Finishing, strength, ergonomics
Display Quality
The –
Video Camera Limited
Re-encoding required for videos
Proprietary USB cable / iTunes required
The 5G iPod nano is available including the AppleStore and at Pixmania
