Apple iPod Nano 4GB- Running Field Test

For $250 you can buy a credit card sized MP3 (MP4) player that can hold close to 100 CDs and weighs only 1.5 ounces.

THE SPECS
- 14 hours average battery life
- Charges and syncs using USB 2
- Both Mac and Windows compatible
- Calendar, photos, and music storage
- 1.5 ounces
- About the size of a credit card
- Holds around 1000 songs ~ 100 CDs
- 1.5 inch LCD screen

HOW TO SET UP
- Packaging: The iPod Nano comes in a square box with USB adapter, ear buds, 2 sets of bud covers, installation CD, and users manual. I also purchased the Apple iPod Nano Dock.

- USB Port: The USB port is your charging power and your link for the update. The iPod manual said that your computer should have a USB 2.0. If you have the slower/older USB 1.1, you can still use your Nano (and Shuffle) but expect slower speed. Apple does say that low power keyboard ports will not work with any iPod. The Nano dock states that you should only use USB 2.0.

- Installation: The Nano installs easily to Windows 2000 and XP. If you have a Mac, you’ll need OS X. If you already have iTunes and Quicktime, I do not think you will get anything extra out of the installation.

- Converting Existing Library: I used Dell Jukebox prior to using the iPod, so after I opened iTunes, I pulled all of the MP3 songs over to the iTune library. The Jukebox and iTune interfaces are very much alike. If you have any WMA songs you might have purchased, you will not be able to use these songs unless you convert them from WMA to an MP3. You can set up your iTunes to update your library automatically or manually. If you select an auto update, your iPod will update anything that was an MP3 onto your player. There are some songs or sounds you don’t want on there and might want to think about keeping a separate folder for those.

- How to Update: As soon as you plug your iPod into the dock, it starts to update and charge. Without the dock, you will need to plug it into the USB adapter. It will ask you not to remove the Nano as it is synching. Make sure you touch the screen prior to disconnecting to make sure no synching is taking place. To remove the iPod, I open iTunes and select the iPod from the left column. I then select the Eject iPod button to ensure a safe disconnect. It is much like pulling a flash drive from your USB port without selecting the remove hardware button.

- Ripping your CDs: iTunes will take your CDs and add them to your library pain free. You can either select to get the whole CD ripped or you can select just those 2-3 songs you really want. All you have to do is insert your CD and it prompts you with the rest.


USING THE IPOD AND ITS FEATURES

Music: When iTunes is open, you can create playlists that will be available for you when you remove your iPod. This is handy if you want to have different tunes for different activities. You might want an upbeat list for running, peaceful tunes for work, and perhaps some alternative rock for studying. iTunes can make a smart playlist for you if you want all one Genre or Artist. I make them myself as most music info is not always up to date or 100% correct. When the iPod is disconnected all you have to do is touch a button and it will turn on. Hold the play/pause down for a couple seconds to turn it off. You can select playlists, shuffle, repeat all, or repeat a single song. The iPod has a built in amp, so you can play your music as loudly as you desire. The iPod also covers your full audio range so it isn’t the iPod’s fault if you can’t hear that bass. There are also some equalizer setting you might want to look into.

Podcasts and Other Downloads: After you sign up with iTunes, you can purchase music, audiobooks (to include Harry Potter) and even Podcasts. Podcasts are just like radio programs that you listen to on the go with no interference. There are many free Podcasts out there for all type of hobbies. I was just looking at one that a guy records during his runs. I guess you can download and run along with him if you want.

Calendar: I haven’t used this (nor do I plan to). However, the iPod Nano supports address books for Outlook and Outlook Express. Your contacts are now portable … you just have to fill out that data you never do like addresses and phone numbers.

Photos: I haven’t used this either, but Apple says that the Nano in conjunction with Adobe Photoshop to allow you to carry up to 25,000 photos.

MY NANO USE - The only reason this iPod was purchased was for running and that’s how it has been used for hours and hours. The Nano is true to its word when it says it is skip and static free. Just make sure you use that Hold button.

For treadmill workouts, I set up a computer speaker 3.1 system up with the speakers suspended at head level. The powered subwoofer rests on a table next to the treadmill with the 3.5mm headphone jack attached. I have a system that requires RCA jacks, so I had to get a Y-splitter that separates the headphone jack to Right and Left plugs. I simply turn the speakers on, plug the iPod in and hit Play. The system has an independent volume control so I just turn the iPod all the way up and adjust the volume using the speaker’s control.

For running outside, I would suggest purchasing the armband (one of the dozens of accessories) through Apple. The armband they sell is extremely lightweight and is designed for the Nano to be used even when in the running sleeve. The Nano remains skip free and operates with no problems even around freezing temperatures. I’ve read that the Nano Lanyard is not 100% free of defects so I’ve avoided even trying it out. When running with the iPod, you might want to use the Hold button. This button will hold your current settings in place even if you bump the volume or fast forward button. This little switch at the top has to be turned off after your run or when you want to change the playback.

$$$$ NANO ACCESSORIES $$$$

Apple – Apple only sells the armband, lanyard, USB AC Adapter, Cradle, Earbud Speakers, and the USB adapter. You will need to check out other sites for the car charges, BOSE speaker docks, car kits, carrying cases, etc.

If you just want a running machine, you are set already. If you are taking this in the car, you’ll need to get a car kit with cassette adapter or even an FM kit. For the office, there are all types of tiny speakers to full sound stereos docks. They even make alarm clock for iPods. You’ll pay more than the iPod in accessories if you get everything.

CONCLUSION - If you are simply using this as an MP3 player for exercise, you might want to consider getting something else for about 1/4 the cost. I do not know too many people out there that run more than 2-3 hours max on average.

If you are going to carry this sleek little thing around from work to play, then it starts making more sense. A docking station at home for with a stereo setup can act like a 100 disc changer. You can get a remote control and you’ll have the best music machine on the block.

At the office, you can get little speakers with a remote for the same purpose, however, it doesn’t take up any more space than a book.

The contact and pictures thing might be cool if you have the space to burn. I find that having all your stuff online accessible from any computer makes more sense and you have a lot more space than 2GB or 4GB. If you really need to show somebody your pictures on the subway, then the iPod Nano is definitely for you.

The iPod Nano is an investment. For around $300 you can have a pretty good setup. For just under $200 you can have a great running machine that is 10x better looking than those monster players out there that look like they are made for the military.

This is not a player for you if you like to take it on the road and want to just change batteries. I have yet to get to the 14 hour mark on the battery as I only use this around 5-6 hours at a time before recharging. If you take this on trips, make sure you get an adapter for an AC outlet or a car.

My final suggestion is that you should all replace the white earbuds with more generic ones. Many reports out there argue that the white buds give your player away and you open yourself up for some unwanted attention. If you are trying to make a statement, use the white buds and feel good about yourself. Or just get another MP3 player and buy the white buds.