X

Photos: iPod Nano (third generation)

Apple's latest version of their iPod Nano has been completely overhauled, inside and out. Cosmetically, the Nano is now shorter and wider, with a larger screen capable of video playback. Internally, the Nano now runs a new, more graphically rich interface that supports games, videos, and a new Cover Flow mode for browsing music by album artwork.

Donald Bell
Donald Bell has spent more than five years as a CNET senior editor, reviewing everything from MP3 players to the first three generations of the Apple iPad. He currently devotes his time to producing How To content for CNET, as well as weekly episodes of CNET's Top 5 video series.
Donald Bell
32595954-2-440-DT2.jpg
1 of 8 Corinne Schulze / CNET Networks
Here are all the extras you get when you crack open the iPod Nano's package: Apple's stock earbuds; a white plastic dock fitting for Apple's universal dock; a proprietary USB cable; stickers; a quick-start guide; and in the case of the red Nano, a special card that denotes that part of the iPod's proceeds with be contributed to the Product (Red) fund to fight AIDS in Africa.
32595954-2-440-DT3.jpg
2 of 8 Corinne Schulze / CNET Networks
While the Cover Flow mode is a fun way to browse your music collection, it doesn't make finding music any easier. There's a bit of lag between the scroll wheel and its effect on cover rotation. Its a small price to pay for the novelty of seeing all your album covers flip their way past the screen. Compared to browsing your music in list mode, Cover Flow is the slower, yet more scenic route.
32595954-2-440-PALM.jpg
3 of 8 Corinne Schulze / CNET Networks
Sure, the Nano is now a little shorter and wider, but it's still whisper thin and small enough to conceal in the palm of your hand.
32595954-2-440-BUTTON.jpg
4 of 8 Corinne Schulze / CNET Networks
One of the biggest improvements to the Nano is its brand-new graphic user interface. The split-screen menu view gives you a visual preview of the content found in each directory. In this shot, we have the video directory highlighted, so the Nano offers up a shot of cover artwork from a movie we have loaded up. The same holds true for photos, music, and podcasts.
32595954-2-440-SD.jpg
5 of 8 Corinne Schulze / CNET Networks
While the second-gen iPod Nano used matte anodized aluminum over its entire body, the third-gen Nano uses the glossy chrome backing found on older versions of the full-size iPod. The chrome's beauty only lasts a hot-minute before smudges and scratches take their toll.
32595954-2-440-POCKET.jpg
6 of 8 Corinne Schulze / CNET Networks
The Nano is small enough to squeeze into your jeans coin pocket. Careful, though; that screen is still plastic, and it's liable to get scratched.
32595954-2-440-DT1.jpg
7 of 8 Corinne Schulze / CNET Networks
The third-gen Nano looks like the progeny of the 5G video iPod and 2G Nano. It retains the traditional slim-and-tiny Nano feel, but adds the larger iPod's ability to play games downloaded from iTunes, as well as videos.
32595954-2-440-FT.jpg
8 of 8 Corinne Schulze / CNET Networks
Although the Nano's screen measures just two inches diagonally, it uses the same crisp 320x240 video resolution found on the iPod Classic. To achieve this, the Nano's screen packs a dense 204 pixels per inch.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos