The Apple iPod nano came packaged in the expected stylish fashion that is the hallmark of all Apple products.  There was an actual size photo of the iPod nano on the outside of the box.  When we opened the box, we were presented with the real thing.  All of the accessories were hidden in the pocket on the opposite side.  In the kit were 2 sets of headphone pads, a set of headphones, an adapter, a USB cable with iPod connector, and an installation CD.

Apple did not include a dock with the iPod nano.  Instead, we got an adapter...which we presume will fit into future devices.  Right now, it is just a piece of plastic that we'll have to try not to lose.

When we ordered the iPod nano on the Apple site, they were offering free engraving...so we took them up on it :-)

The unit is thin and very portable.  It is powered by an internal rechargeable Li-ion battery.  Apple used the same connector as in all the second generation iPods.  So the iPod nano should fit most of the iPod accessories (car power adapters, speakers, etc...) on the market. 

To truely illustrate how thin and small the iPod nano was, we thought we would pair it with some familiar objects.  The iPod nano with the typical cellphone and the older iPod.  It was actually thinner than the screen of the cell phone!

It was difficult to photograph the color screen against the black surface of this iPod...too much contrast.  Sufficed to say, the screen was BRIGHT.  The screen was easily visible without the backlighting, but really came alive when the backlighting was on.

The clickwheel was the same as the newer iPod...no moving parts to wear out or to trap dirt. 

The headphone socket, like the iPod Shuffle, is on the bottom of the iPod.  This made perfect sense when you consider users may wear it around their necks.  Unlike the MobiBLU, with the headphones connected from the bottom, the display will be right-side up when viewed!

The iPod nano was shipped partially charged, but we wanted to charge it up before playing with it to see just how long the battery would last. 

We'll charge the iPod overnight and play with it tomorrow.  Come back for the FirstUse review in a few days.  We will have it ready in a few days!

The first generation iPod we purchased 4 years ago was a 5GB model that held 1000 songs.  It was the size of a deck of playing cards.

We just got the iPod nano today.  It is Apple's 3rd generation iPod.  The one we got was the 4GB model.  It is the size of... well, it is smaller than anything we have to compare it to.

In this FirstLook review, we'll show you all the various pieces which came with the iPod nano.  We'll also give you some size comparison to more familiar objects.

In the FirstUse review, we'll check out the software install, song download, and exclusive features of the iPod nano.  We'll also attach the iPod nano to any and all accessories we can find around RainyDayMagazine :-)

Reviews:

1. First Look

2. First Use

3. In The Wild Report

Review Summary:

Initial Impression- Gorgeous

Usability- typical Apple

Durability- Test in progress

Price- $200-250

Related Review:

1. Drive+Play FirstLook

2. Drive+Play Bench Test

3. Drive+Paly Controller

4. Drive+Play Car Installation

5. Drive+Play FirstUse