Apple iPod nano 4GB - Black [MA107FB/A]

Pros:
- Sexy good looks
- Lightweight
- Solid state memory, so doesn't skip & great for the gym (though I've heard from lots of people they're pretty fragile, so don't go dropping it!)
- ITunes software a doddle to use (even vs Rio Music Manager)

Cons:
- Battery life v. disappointing, esp vs the Rio - nowhere near the "up to 14 hrs" claimed!
- Having been spoiled by Rio DJ, I really miss the ability to choose recently played tracks/tracks that haven't been played in a while/see what track's coming up next
- I haven't worked out how to transfer encrypted WAV files to Ipod format - I resent the money down the drain

Top Tips:
- Buy a screen protector! (The ones for the Ipod Mini will fit)
- Buy a protective case (Guess what? I did & my nano doesn't have a scratch on it. Funny that...)
- Buy a mains charger - given low battery life, it's a must have

I went to a high street shop for them to test my I-pod with a new usb cable because I was going to buy a wall charger and they told me about 30% of the I-pod Nanos they sell are returned. The fact I now need to change my second one for a third unit is more than just bad luck - it is a design fault that despite claims by Apple has not been corrected (or the units still for sale are the 'old' design before correction). Here is my experience:

I bought an I-pod nano 4 GB last November 2005 and couldn't wait to use it. Downloading songs was super simple...but the battery lasted about three hours before it needed recharging. When I used the usb cable it would not recharge (the I-pod nano does not come with a wall charger - that is £20-£25 extra!).

I called the technical help at Apple, who went through several operations from resetting my I-pod to suggesting it was the usb cable not working. When I insisted it wasn't the cable because I could still download songs he gave me my nearest sales office for Apple. As it was in the middle of an industrial estate and I don't have a car I had to wait a week to take it in. They immediately offered to take mine and get me a new unit. I was happy with the service. One week later we had to go back again and pick up the new one (they wanted to charge £10 to send it by courier even though they had sold a faulty unit!). We downloaded our music all over again and charged up the battery. The sound was fantastic...until four hours of use later the battery was right down...and would not recharge AGAIN!

I went to a high street shop who tried it out with the cable, then one of their cables. They advised me it was the unit and I would have to exchange it AGAIN! So, soon I will be onto my third I-pod Nano. Before that though, I have to wait another two weeks without using it because I have to go to the industrial estate, give mine back, wait a week and go and collect my third one.

In short, the great sound and ease of downloading do not compensate for the very poor battery. I had already ordered my nano when I heard about the battery problems Apple have been having. I wish I had got a better model with good battery now. I will update this entry when I get my third I-Pod nano and let you know if it works or if it is another of the 30% that have a fundamental design fault.