As with previous product we got our mitts on for review the iPod Nano comes in a package that in itself is a marvel in product design, we even got a Nano bag to put the box inside. Getting your Nano out of the box is the moment of real truth the sheer size of it is quite a shock, if you though a Motorola V3 Razr was slim then this is a real stunner, a supermodel amongst gadgets. Measuring 90 x 40 x  6.9mm it is barely thicker than the iPod shuffle and is only really bigger in width to accommodate the 1.5" screen, while it feels very well crafted it tips the scales at just 42 grams.

The thinness of the device did lead us to worry about snapping it if it's kept in a pocket when you bend over to pick up something from the floor, our unit had already been "used" and had a couple of small scratches from where it had been dropped and it had survived. We tried sitting down with it in a pocket and generally being abusive with it and there wasn't even a hint of damage, in fact we'd think that a standard iPod would have come to more harm from being sat on than the Nano.

The main difference that allows this super slim MP3 player to exist is the use of solid state disk or flash based storage as it's more commonly called, this allows a high byte density and also means no moving parts and a lower power consumption. In fact the iPod Nano will play audio tracks for 14 hours before needing a top up and a full charge takes around 3 hours with 80% being reached in half that time, all charging is via the USB lead and socket.

Available in both a 2gb and 4gb version and white or a rather more attractive black the Nano adds a few minor extras like world clocks and a stopwatch to the normal line up of features on Apples players. The user interface is pure simplicity and exactly what we have come to expect, the click wheel makes it to the Nano too, it has the usual tactile feel and does react when pressed giving a bit of user feedback, navigation is a dream and exactly as you'd find on any other iPod with a screen.

Audio quality is as expected with the same audio chipset used in this device as in other iPod's, there are small changes like the use of Apples own technology behind the click wheel instead of the Synaptics system used elsewhere. None of this detracts from the ability of the iPod to deliver a great sound and if it were not for the poor earbuds Apple insists on shipping (we recommend you change these) it would be a great overall package.

One cool new addition is the use of a security lock  which requires a 4 digit code to allow your pod to be used, this is similar to most mobile phones and while you can't make expensive calls from an MP3 player it does seem reasonable to keep prying eyes from getting at your tracks and photos.

That brings us nicely to the 176 x 132 pixel screen which in full colour really looks great and Apple use this to allow the Nano to display photos much the same as the bigger iPods, sadly it's wasted here as the 1.5" screen is just too small to make this of much use.

Mac users will be upset that an Apple product does not have firewire, but that shows just how far Apple have come since they started their iPod journey back in 2001, the USB only Nano moves files like lightening and the 2gb version is updated quicker than we could make a good cup of coffee. As you would expect the baby iPod works with iTunes to manage the limited 2 or 4gb disk space, it's easy to choose what you want on your device and cover art can also be sent and even the whole process randomised if you want iTunes to choose your selection.

Overall this is a highly stylish player that is going to be the one MP3 player that everyone wants to own, it's small enough to sit in any pocket and robust enough to withstand a full workout down the gym. Pricing is set at a premium given the actual storage size, the 2gb (500 tracks) is £139.99 and the 4gb sells for £179.99 which isn't far short of the £192 30gb standard iPod.

As with all Apple products you are paying for the brand and the fact you want this player, there are many equally competent flash based MP3 players but none have this level of style and that's why your iPod Nano will cost you more.

2gb model

4gb model

Published - 16/09/2005

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