Apple iPod nano 4th Gen 8 GB, 16 GB* Specs
Identifiers: iPod nano 4th Gen - MB598LL/A* - A1285 - 2287
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The Apple iPod nano (Fourth Generation) -- perhaps acknowledging the relative underacceptance of the "fat" iPod nano (3rd Generation) that it replaced -- is more reminiscent of the "skinny" iPod nano (2nd Generation), but features a slightly thinner (0.02 inch) new wraparound "curved aluminum and glass" case offered in nine colors -- silver, black, purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, pink, and (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition -- as well as a portrait-oriented 2-inch (diagonal) color LCD display with a blue-white LED backlight (320x240, 204 ppi).
It uses either 8 GB or 16 GB* of flash memory, capable of supporting 2000 or 4000 songs, 7000 or 14,000 photos, and 8 hours or 16 hours of video, respectively. Unlike previous iPod nano models, all colors were offered for both capacities.
Compared to the iPod nano (3rd Generation) models, the iPod nano (4th Generation) also gains a variety of enhancements including a built-in accelerometer that automatically switches to "Cover Flow" navigation when the device is rotated into "landscape" orientation (games and videos only play in landscape), a new "Genius" feature to dynamically create playlists based on "songs that go great together", and shaking the device gently "shuffles" songs. Battery life for music is an unchanged 24 hours, but battery life for video playback was reduced to 4 hours from the 5 hours provided by its predecessor.
The interface has been "enhanced" but continues to use "MacOS X Leopard" inspired interface elements derived from the version of OS X unveiled with the iPhone, but adds new accessibility options including larger text and spoken menu items.
Other worthwhile but more modest improvements include integrated support for Nike + iPod, support for FM radio "tagging" using the previously released Apple Radio Remote, support for audio crossfade, and the iQuiz music and movie trivia game has been replaced with Maze (Klondike and Vortex are still included).
Also see: What are the differences between the iPod nano 4th Generation models? What are the differences between these models and the iPod nano 3rd Generation models they replaced?
Despite the age of this device, site sponsor OWC has inexpensive, compatible headphones and some upgrades and parts for vintage iPods while supplies last.
- Tech Specs
- Global Original Prices
- Popular Q&As
Click on a category for related details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important.
| Introduction Date: |
September 9, 2008 |
Discontinued Date: |
September 9, 2009 |
| Details: |
The "Introduction Date" refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. The "Discontinued Date" refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended.
Also see: All iPhone models introduced in 2008. |
| Processor Speed: |
N/A |
Processor Type: |
Samsung ARM* |
| Details: |
*Apple provides no information on the processor used in the iPod nano (4G) models, but each uses an Apple branded processor, believed to be a Samsung ARM. For more information, please refer to the disassembly "guide" from the always excellent iFixIt. |
| Onboard RAM: |
N/A |
Storage Capacity: |
8 GB, 16 GB* |
| Song Capacity: |
2000 or 4000 |
Photo Capacity: |
7,000 or 14,000 |
| Details: |
Apple reports that the 8 GB models can hold "up to" 2000 songs and the 16 GB models can hold "up to" 4000 songs in "128-Kbps AAC format". Likewise, the 8 GB models can hold as many as 7,000 photos and 8 hours of video and the 16 GB models can hold as many as 14,000 photos and 16 hours of video. |
| USB Support: |
Sync & Charge |
Firewire Support: |
None |
| Details: |
The iPod nano (4G) models are capable of charging and syncing by USB via the dock connector, but cannot sync or charge via Firewire "400". |
| Connectivity: |
USB, Audio* |
Ports: |
Dock, Headphone** |
| Details: |
*Unfortunately, just like the iPod nano (3G), the iPod nano (4G) models do not support video out via the headphone jack, they only provide video out via the dock connector. Annoyingly, video out is only available while using an Apple cable, Apple dock, or another accessory with an "Apple Authentication" chip. |
| Case Type: |
Handheld |
Form Factor: |
iPod nano 4th Gen |
| Details: |
The iPod nano (4G) models use a case design that has more in common with the "skinny" iPod nano (2G) models than the previous iPod nano (3G) systems -- with an all aluminum case rather than an anodized aluminum front and a chromed stainless steel back. |
| Housing Color: |
Colors* |
Controller: |
"ClickWheel" |
| Details: |
Aluminum cases -- available in nine colors -- silver, black, purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, pink, and red. |
| Built-in Display: |
2" LCD |
Display Resolution: |
240x320* |
| Details: |
The iPod nano (4G) models have a "2-inch (diagonal) color LCD [display] with blue-white LED backlight" (240-by-320-pixel resolution display at 204 pixels per inch).
*By default, it is oriented in portrait mode (240x320), but due to an accelerometer, automatically switches to landscape mode (320x240) when rotated. Like their predecessors, the iPod nano (4G) models are capable of displaying video on an external display at 640x480. |
| Battery Type: |
Lithium Ion |
Battery Life (Music): |
24 Hours |
| Details: |
Apple reports that the iPod nano (4G) provides "up to" 24 hours of music playback.
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells replacement batteries this iPod. |
| Battery Life (Photos): |
N/A |
Battery Life (Video): |
4 Hours |
| Details: |
The iPod nano (4G) provides "up to" 4 hours of video playback. Apple provides no information regarding the battery life for photo slideshows.
|
| Full-Charge Time: |
"About 3 Hours" |
Apple Order No: |
MB598LL/A* |
| Details: |
Apple reports that the iPod nano (4G) models charge completely in "about 3 hours" and also will "fast charge" in 1.5 hours to 80% capacity.
*MB598LL/A is the order number for the 8 GB iPod nano (4G) in silver. The 8 GB configuration in black uses MB754LL/A, purple uses MB739LL/A, blue uses MB732LL/A, green uses MB745LL/A, yellow uses MB748LL/A, orange uses MB742LL/A, and pink uses MB735LL/A.
The 16 GB configuration in silver uses MB903LL/A, black uses MB918LL/A, purple uses MB909LL/A, blue uses MB905LL/A, green uses MB913LL/A, yellow uses MB915LL/A, orange uses MB911LL/A, and pink uses MB907LL/A.
A (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition also is available in both 8 GB and 16 GB configurations.
A helpful reader reported that the illusive 4 GB configuration is order number MB480ZI in France. |
| Apple Subfamily: |
iPod nano 4th Gen |
Apple Model No: |
A1285 (EMC 2287) |
| Details: |
Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one configuration, but can uniquely identify the iPod nano 4th Gen.
Also see: All iPods with the A1285 Model Number and the 2287 EMC Number. |
| Dimensions: |
3.6 x 1.5 x 0.24 |
Avg. Weight: |
1.3 ounces |
| Details: |
In inches - height by width by depth (90.7 mm x 38.7 mm x 6.2 mm, 36.8 grams). |
| Mac Support: |
MacOS X 10.4.11 |
Windows Support: |
Windows XP SP3/Vista |
| Details: |
Apple reports that this iPod is compatible with a "Macintosh computer with a USB 2.0 port, MacOS X 10.4.11 or later, and iTunes 8 or later."
It is compatible with a "PC with USB 2.0, Windows Vista or Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 3 or later, and iTunes 8 or later." |
| Audio Support: |
Apple reports that the iPod nano (4G) models support "AAC (16 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Store), MP3 (16 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, and 4), Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAV." |
| Photo Support: |
The iPod nano (4G) models sync iPod-viewable photos in "JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, PSD (Mac only), and PNG formats". |
| Video Support: |
Apple reports that the iPod nano (4G) models support "H.264 video, up to 1.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Low-Complexity version of the H.264 Baseline Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; H.264 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Baseline Profile up to Level 3.0 with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; MPEG-4 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats." |
| Incl. Accessories: |
Shipped with "earphones, USB cable, [and] dock adapter."
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells accessories like cases, stands, keyboards, speakers and more for this iPod. |
| Original Price: |
US$149, US$199* |
Est. Current Retail: |
US$25-US$50 |
| Details: |
8 GB models originally sold for US$149 and 16 GB models originally sold for US$199. All colors were available in both capacities.
*Although Apple did not officially announce such a model, third-parties have reported that a small number of 4 GB configurations also were released to some countries priced at 119 Euros. Perhaps Apple originally had planned to offer 4 GB models but decided against it after some units had been produced and shipped.
Please note that on average the estimated current retail pricing of used systems is updated twice a year (please refer to the date on the bottom of the page for the date last updated).
Photo Credit: Apple Computer. |
Global original prices for the iPod nano 4th Gen in 34 different countries and territories follow; organized alphabetically by region. Please note that prices with an asterisk (*) are bound by carrier contractual obligations.
For global original prices for all iPod, iPhone, and iPad models in one particular country on a single page, please refer to Everyi.com's Global Original Prices section.
If you have additional original prices for this iPod nano, please share. Thank you.
Original Prices - North & South America
| Canada: |
C$169, C$219 |
Brazil: |
R$549, R$699 |
| Mexico: |
N/A |
United States: |
US$149, US$199* |
Original Prices - Europe
| Austria: |
€149, €199 |
Belgium: |
€139, €189 |
| Denmark: |
DKK 1,099, 1,449 |
Finland: |
€159, €199 |
| France: |
€149, €199 |
Germany: |
€139, €189 |
| Ireland: |
€139, €189 |
Italy: |
€139, €189 |
| Luxembourg: |
N/A |
Netherlands: |
€139, €189 |
| Norway: |
NOK 1.190, 1.590 |
Portugal: |
€149, €199 |
| Spain: |
€139, €189 |
Sweden: |
SEK 1.395, 1.845 |
| Switzerland: |
CHF 229, 299 |
United Kingdom: |
£109, £149 |
Original Prices - Asia
| China: |
RMB 1,298, RMB 1,748 |
Hong Kong: |
HK$1,150, HK$1,550 |
| India: |
Rs 8,699, 11,149 |
Indonesia: |
N/A |
| Japan: |
¥17,800, ¥23,800 |
Korea: |
N/A |
| Malaysia: |
N/A |
The Philippines: |
N/A |
| Singapore: |
S$248, S$328 |
Taiwan: |
NT$5,300, NT$7,000 |
| Thailand: |
N/A |
Vietnam: |
N/A |
Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand
| Australia: |
A$199, A$279 |
New Zealand: |
NZ$249, NZ$329 |
Ten of the most popular Q&As about the iPod nano line follow.
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