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iPod Q&A - Updated March 12, 2008
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What are the differences between the third generation iPod nano models? What are the differences between these models and the models they replaced?
Please note that all iPod models mentioned in this Q&A have been discontinued. The iPod nano 3rd Gen was replaced by the iPod nano 4th Gen on September 9, 2008.
The iPod nano (Third Generation) -- affectionately dubbed the "fat" iPod by users referring to its rather squat proportions -- looks more like a smaller version of the iPod classic than the sequel to the iPod nano (2nd Gen) that it replaced. All iPod nano (3rd Gen) models share the same chunky 2.75 inch tall by 2.06 inch wide by 0.26 inch deep cases with aluminum fronts and stainless steel backs.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc.
The iPod nano (3rd Gen) uses either 4 GB or 8 GB of flash memory, capable of supporting 1000 or 2000 songs, 3500 or 7000 photos, and 4 hours or 8 hours of video, respectively. The 4 GB model was offered only in silver, and the 8 GB models were offered in silver, light blue, light green, pink (starting January 22, 2008), and black, as well as a (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition.
Compared to the iPod nano (2nd Gen) models, the most notable enhancements are a larger 2-inch (diagonal) color LCD display with a blue-white LED backlight (320x240, 204 ppi), support for video on the internal display, and video out (via the dock connector using a compatible Apple cable or dock or another accessory with an "Apple Authentication" chip.). Battery life for music is an unchanged 24 hours. The software is substantially improved as well, with "MacOS X Leopard" inspired interface enhancements -- including a Cover Flow option for selecting albums. Three games are bundled as well -- iQuiz, Klondike, and Vortex.
Differences between iPod nano (3rd Gen) models are modest, and can be summarized by capacity, color, and price. For your convenience, the variations are summarized in this handy chart:
| Flash Memory Size: | 4 GB | 8 GB |
|---|---|---|
| Song Capacity: | 1000 Songs | 2000 Songs |
| Photo Capacity: | 3500 Photos | 7000 Photos |
| Video Capacity: | 4 Hours | 8 Hours |
| Color Options: | Silver Only | Silver, Blue, Green, Red, Pink, & Black |
| Price: | US$149 | US$199 |
Differences between the iPod nano (3rd Gen) and iPod nano (2nd Gen) models are more substantial:
| iPod nano (2nd Gen) | iPod nano (3rd Gen) | |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size: | 1.5" (176x132, 16-bit) | 2" (320x240, 204 ppi) |
| Flash Memory Size: | 2, 4, 8 GB | 4, 8 GB |
| Song Capacity: | 500, 1000, 2000 | 1000, 2000 |
| Photo Capacity: | 25,000 | 3500, 7000 |
| Internal Video: | No | Yes |
| Video Out: | No | Yes |
| Battery Life (Music): | 24 Hours | 24 Hours |
| Color: | Silver, Blue, Green, Pink, Black | Silver, Blue, Green, Red, Black† |
| Material: | Aluminum | Aluminum, Steel |
| Dimensions (Inches): | 3.5 x 1.6 x 0.26 | 2.75 x 2.06 x 0.26 |
| Price (As Introduced): | US$149, US$199, US$249 | US$149, US$199 |
† Pink added to the lineup as well on January 22, 2008.
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