It has been 6 months since the iPod Nano 5th Generation was released upon the Apple faithful. This line of iPod was graced with the "one more thing" introduction, that thing being the addition of video camera to the Nano line. Many had expected this to grace the top of the line iPod Touch. With that expectation, the Nano and the lack of an iPod Touch with video camera, was written off as a disappointment. 6 months later is this still true?
Physically the device is similar to its predecessor. The Nano 5G has, aside from the video camera, an FM tuner and pedometer added to the mix. Externally, the enclosure was revamped with a polished aluminum finish and the screen is slightly bigger as well. All in all it is a pretty significant step up from its predecessor.
The Nano is a great device. For me it is a really great size, about the size of candy bar style cellphone but thinner. Personally I'd kill for a phone this size, and my current Sony Ericsson T700 is just slightly larger. Listening to music and watching videos is par of the course for iPods, so if you have owned a previous iPod you already know what to expect. If you've never owned an iPod this thing will wow you.
Like most (all?) iPods that have come out to date it retains that great hardware feel. It is not heavy but it feels heavy enough in your hand to feel sturdy. After 6 months of near daily use, without a case or screen protector, it's still looking good. The screen is surprisingly resistant to scratches as is the polished aluminum finish. The placement of the camera, behind the click-wheel takes some getting used to though.
For those unfamiliar with the iPod UI: It is really easy to use, has eye-catching UI effects like Coverflow, and the album artwork looks really good as well. The accelerometer can be a bit unresponsive at times, or too sensitive at others. This is one thing that can take some getting used to but isn't enough to be a dealbreaker. The album art looks good when you're listening to your tunes, so naturally photos look just as good. You can sync photos from your iPhoto library or from folders with photos in them. All through iTunes of course. You can sync contacts and calendars as well. The standard iPod fair. Where it varies slightly is that you can sync the videos (and voice notes) you took using the iPod using the camera (or just microphone for voice notes) back to your Mac. The videos can be synced through iPhoto and the voice notes go to iTunes. All are accessible via the finder as well in case you don't want to sync.
The defining feature is the video camera, and that is probably what everyone is most interested in a review of this iPod. I think it is pretty good. About as good as a good-but-not-great cellphone camera. I do find it easier to use than the camera on my phone, since it turns on faster than my phone's camera. If you have a typical dumphone where the camera is buried under menus (mine isn't so bad in that respect) it would be much faster to use the Nano for video than the typical dumbphone. Sadly this thing does not take still images but it does have snazzy effects. Here is a brief example of what video looks like:
Our tagline is "when you can't afford to buy crap". With that in mind is the 5G worth buying, especially now halfway through its life cycle? There are a few things you must ask yourself. Do you want/need a new iPod right now and don't want a Touch? If you own a 3rd Gen Nano, this is a significant step up, but you should probably hold off til September. If you own the 4th Gen, definitely hold off until September. Or if you are a student, at least wait until the back to school Apple store deals where you get the free iPod (if you don't want a low-end Touch). Another thing to consider is that getting an iPod Touch so late in this cycle is probably a bit more unwise. The next iPod Touch will most likely be faster, thus having a longer overall life because it would be compatible with future OS updates by at least a one generation cushion more than a current Touch. Secondly, it was rumored last September that the current generation iPod Touch would have a camera, which it currently does not. More than likely it will have one by the fall. If you're in desperate need of an iPod, say you accidentally dropped yours in the toilet and need a replacement ASAP, then you might as well get this now as a "hold me down for the next few months" iPod before getting an iPod Touch. If you own an iPhone this definitely makes for a great backup iPod. The 5th generation iPod Nano, while a great device, this late in the lifecycle it may be best to buy it if you need it but keep in mind the September iPod refresh cycle.
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