by Daniel Thrasher

Created on: June 08, 2009

Whether you love or hate Apple, you probably know that the Apple iPod is nothing short of a cultural phenomenon. In many ways, Apple's iPod popularized the MP3 player as a suitable substitute for the CD player, and the iPod's signature earbuds were practically a fashion statement. Yes, it was cool to own an iPod.

Is it still cool? In a word, yes. The iPod nano replaced the iPod mini as the compromise between a full-featured iPod and the screen-less iPod shuffle. Now, in its 3rd generation, the iPod nano is everything you loved about the original video iPod, only slimmer, sleeker, more colorful, and less expensive.

The form factor and color has always been a big reason to shell out the cash for an iPod anything. The iPod nano 8 GB is no exception. It costs $149 and comes in a variety of colors, so you're bound to find one that's just the way you like it. The nano also has a 2-inch screen that supports video playback, which is a definite plus, and it's an astonishing 1.3 ounces and a quarter-of-an-inch deep, so you'll be able to fit it in your pocket or around your neck comfortably.

The iPod nano actually sports a flash drive instead of a hard drive, so it is less prone to damaging your data and it also is more responsive. However, flash memory is still quite a bit more expensive than hard disk memory, so you'll be getting a mere 8 gigabytes. This isn't so bad if you don't have a large collection of music and movies, but if you do, you'll fill the iPod nano 8 GB up very quickly.

In fact, this is the main sticking point. As beautifully as the iPod nano 8 GB plays video, with only 8 GB of space and the fact that some movies take up two or more GB, you might find yourself frustrated trying to fit everything. However, it's simply a matter of your own cost-to-benefit ratio. If you don't need a lot of space, the iPod nano 8 GB is probably just fine for you and has a reasonable price. On the other hand, if you have that much space filled up easily, you should look into a more expensive iPod or other MP3 player.

As far as how the iPod nano 8 GB performs, it is a quality MP3 player and another stunning entry in Apple's iPod line-up. It comes with earphones, a USB cable, and a dock adapter, and can play back 24 hours of audio or 4 hours of video. What it comes down to is your needs. If you want more space without springing for the iPod classic or the iPod touch, get the nano, but in a more comfortable 16 GB. If you don't mind not having a screen and you're on a tight budget, the iPod shuffle is the way to go. However, if you want a nice iPod that has a decent amount of space for music and maybe a movie or two, the iPod nano 8 GB is a great middle-of-the-road choice.

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