Apple IPOD Nano

I got an IPOD Nano for Christmas and have been really enjoying it. While there are other MP3 players cheaper ($199 for the 2gig model), for the money you can't beat the convenience in downloading, ease of play, and looks. Mine is the black model pictured to the left, but you can also get it in white.

It comes with a USB 2.0 cord to connect to a PC or laptop for both uploading media and charging the battery. Uploading songs and pictures is easy. Using iTunes software, free download from APPLE, you can convert your CDs and load them on your PC/laptop/Mac. You can also subscribe to Podcasts (topic for another post) and purchase songs ($.99 a download per song, $10.99 for most CDs). A $25 song card came with my IPOD to get me hooked. To upload to your IPOD, you can set up the iTunes software to automatically check for any new media and upload it to the IPOD when it's connected.

There are a couple of things you need to deal with if you decide to get one. First is, although I think it is an elegant looking product and should win design and function awards, it is very easy to scratch it. It does come with a sleeve, but you have to take it out to use it. I solved the problem by purchasing a leather case that has cutouts for the dial and screen. It also come with a carabiner to hook on your belt loop, backpack, or purse. It's great for walking or exercising.

The second thing has to do with the earbuds. The sound is great, but you have to put them down in your ear canal to keep them on and I'm sure this isn't good for your hearing. And we all know that some of use have a problem with hearing already! I bought a set of buds with a hook to go around each ear which keeps secured, but I still think they aren't good for my hearing. I researched mini head phones which cover part of the ear, but they are almost as expensive as the IPOD! So, I'm still not sure what I will do.

I guess this post ended up sounding like a commercial for the IPOD, but I'm sold on it. There are many other MP3 players out there and if you want to check them out, click on these links.IRIVER, RIO, CREATIVE, SAMSUNG, DELL, and SONY.

See you next time.