Apple iPod Nano 5G preview
10 SEP 2009
Launch price
from £115
Stuff says
Not just the world’s best mini MP3 player, but now a serious rival for Flip-style camcorders too
PREVIEW
Apple may have shifted five iPod Nanos for every iPod Touch it's sold, but it was the insanely popular mini MP3 player that was given the biggest makeover at the company’s 2009 iPod event – with the biggest news being its new video-recording powers.
While the iPod Touch has been primed to take on the Sony PSP Go, the iPod Nano 5G has been built to, in Steve Jobs’ words, ‘get in on’ the Flip’s mini camcorder turf. And that’s not all – it’s also been given an FM radio, larger 2.2in screen and a pedometer for Nike+ action.
Video only VGA
For all Apple’s bravado, the iPod Nano 5G isn’t quite a match for today’s pocket camcorders. It shoots at VGA (640x480) resolution – so it’s YouTube-friendly, but not really a match for the 1080p-shooting Kodak Zi8.
But with its dimensions and pricing largely unchanged – the 8GB version costs £8 more than its precessor at £115, the 16GB £9 less at £135 – the Nano 5G is a very tidy bit of convergence that could leave many technically superior mini camcorders collecting dust.
FM radio – finally
A more surprising addition to the Nano is an FM radio. Quite why Apple has chosen to add this now after years of campaigning from gadget fans we’re not sure, but it gives an unrivalled versatility for a 36g, 6mm thick waif.
Adding to this features arsenal further is the welcome if slightly belated built-in pedometer, which gives you no excuse not to snap up a Nike+ sensor and hit the pavements.
With a new range of nine paint jobs too, the iPod Nano 5G might just have enough new toys to tempt existing Nano owners to upgrade and send its sales further into the stratosphere. See it in action in our hands-on video from the event, and check back for a full hands-on video and review soon.