PC Magazine - 2009 11.pdf - Libertad Zero

FIRst looks CONSUMER ELECTRONICSApple iPod nano (5th generation)New Nanois BetterThan EverRemarkably, the latest iPod nanolooks almost identical to its predecessor,but this player packs somuch more into its small frame: Avideo camera, an FM tuner (a firstfor iPods!), a pedometer for joggers, and alarger screen. Priced at $149 for 8GB and at$179 for 16GB ($20 less than last year’s 16GBplayer), this nano is more affordable andcapable than any similarly priced player outthere—a hands down Editors’ Choice.Aside from seven bright new colors, thenew nano’s body is otherwise identical tothe 4th-generation device. The screen,however, is significantly larger—2.2 inchesas opposed to 2 (it may not sound like alot, but on such a tiny player, that 0.2 inchmakes a big difference), with a slightlyhigher resolution. The included earbuds actas an antenna for the new FM radio—finally.The big news here is the inclusion of a videocamera, a mic, and a built-in speaker on theback panel. Nonetheless, video capture wascrisp and vibrant (despite the low 640-by-480 resolution), rivaling footage from minicamcorders. You can even choose from 15effects, such as Sepia, Film Grain, and evenApple iPod nano (5th generation)16GB, $179 direct; 8GB, $149L l l l hPros Built-in video camera, mic, and speaker.Larger display, but same-size frame as previous-gennano. Excellent user interface. NewGenius Mix feature. Adds an FM tuner and apedometer.Cons So-so file support. Video camera can’tcapture still images. Ships with Apple’s signaturesubpar earbuds.Thermal and X-Ray. Unfortunately, the cameracan’t capture still images and the micisn’t great. Even so, no other media playerhas built-in video.While the iPod touch has seen manychallengers, the nano doesn’t have a seriousenemy. Nothing else in this price rangecomes close to its ease-of-use and gracefuldesign.—Tim Gideon>>CLICK HERE FOR MORE32 PC MAGAZINE DIGITAL EDITION NOVEMBER 2009