After much thought, I decided I needed a music device that I could use to take my music around. After reading other reviews on this site, I decided to fork out big bucks and buy this product. Along with the device, I decided to purchase a set of Creative EP-630 earphones, if only so that I could jog without having the earphones fall out again and again.
Despite having paid close to 11 grand, I have no reason at all to regret my decision. I purchased the 16 GB 5th Gen Nano, and have not reached even 60% capacity despite stuffing it with music, pictures and video. The device is tiny and svelte, and yet I’ve had no problem reading the screen. Music is beautifully organised by album, artiste or genre. The PC-based i-Tunes is a great way to gather music and sync the iPod. For Linux users, music can be transferred to the iPod using Rythmbox on Ubuntu - I really don’t know about other distros, but assume that shouldn’t be a problem either.
While syncing, the iPod charges itself as well and the charge lasts a very long time too. Since I’m a heavy PC user, I’ve never needed to buy an offline charger coz I never felt the need.
The music quality was great using the provided headphones, even with 128-bitrate mp3s, but turned to’awesome’ once I plugged in the Creative headphones. Listening is another experience altogether, especially at night with the eyes shut tight, when every other distraction is locked out. Each note is crystal-clear, and I even come to know when signal reception drops - the FM radio’s switch from stereo to mono is clearly discernible! I don’t know if that’s a plus or not! Now if only Apple could bundle the other set of earphones as the default.
The video camera is nice, though it takes a little getting used to, what with the finger placement. But then, I’ve never needed to use the video camera, so for me its overkill.
I love this device - last week, I tripped and fell while jogging, all the while remembering to fall on my left side because the iPod was in my right pocket! Here’s a device I swear by - buy it with your eyes closed.