Incredible Device my nPod (4 GB)

It does not take long for this tiny guy to become your best friend.

It is tiny, weighs nothing - it can actually dangle from the provided headset jack without crashing to the floor. This is all solid state, so should there ever be a fall, the likelihood of failure is considerably less. Yet this is a robust and rigid device. The chrome back appears to be metal.

With this comes additional software for the iTunes. I loaded music, audiobooks, podcasts, pictures (there is a choice, either compressed or full size), and some daily back up files such as Word and Excel (used as storage, not view). There is full choice as to what is loaded and how the media is controlled. If no choices are made, then it will load the music first and any remaining room will load the pictures.

Other features include shuffle, clocks (as many global want), calendar, games, notes. If connected to a MAC, then these are updated from Calendar & Contacts. The reminders follow thus will get a beep. This also has an clock alarm which is easy to set.

Because you do have contacts and calendar, the screen may be locked with a combination. this is a manual process, so it is a bit of a nuisance. But different than a Palm, forget the combination, nothing will be lost. The password will be reset when docked to the computer.

There are also the standard games. I find these engaging although the screen is much smaller.

Pictures may be downloaded in their full size (optional) or compressed size to consume less memory. The color screen is spectacular and has a built-in slide show, and to your choice of music. There are many setup features, and slideshow is one of them.

The nano iPod comes with a charger/connection to the computer, software, and earphones. The dock is optional as well as jogging arm bands, and many other items that have not hit the market yet.

Battery will last 14 hrs (per the specs), and will charge to 80% in 30 minutes, fully charged in four hours.

The sound quality is excellent. The output jack is the standard mini jack on the computer, no special sizes like my huge Palm uses.

What I would like this to have is the ability to use the standard iPod accessories, such as mic, download digital pictures from my camera, and the earplugs remote control for the volume. The pictures require downloading to the computer, and then to the iPod. The remote is probably unnecessary since this is so small, it is close to me where i can easily adjust the volume. Something unique, pull out the earphone jack, and the device goes to Pause.

Because of the size and weight, you will take it everywhere. I like my audiobooks, but have been reluctant to take my iPod because of the fear of dropping, getting stolen, or just the bulk. The nano iPod as made all of these a non issue.

There are two models, 2GB and 4GB, and in white or black. I would recommend the 4GB to have that extra storage for songs and pictures.

The price is right. What is the price of 1 GB memory? At Costco, it was about $80 on Compact Flash (7/05). Four of those, probably lesser quality CF would be $320. Thus 4 GB at $249 is a super deal, not to mention all the fun you will have.