PC Mag 3G Nano review

One of the first official reviews of the third-generation iPod nano has been published by PC Magazine, generally favoring the new player. The only feature absent from the previous Nano, the magazine says, was video, and that has been solved. Owners of the new model have the benefit moreover of a larger, two-inch widescreen, with the best pixel density Apple has yet produced. The magazine also takes a positive view of the accompanying interface, which includes an improved Now Playing screen, and the Cover Flow option from the iPhone.

One of the only complaints is that Cover Flow is "decidedly less sexy" without a touchscreen, instead requiring users to scroll with the clickwheel; it can also bog down, taking time to load album art where iTunes or the iPhone would already be finished.

The remaining two problems are connected to sound output. The stock earbuds are described simply as "crappy," and were ditched in preference of ones from Shure. Similarly, while users can pick EQ presets, there remains no ability to fine-tune settings for better bass or higher mid-tones. This customization is present on other players from the likes of Sony and Samsung. Regardless, the magazine calls the new Nano the "best-designed flash video player on the market in this price range."

by MacNN Staff