Nano Gens - 1/2 vs. 3
To all those who own either a 1st/2nd gen nano and a 3rd gen, which do you prefer and why?
Today I bought a 3rd gen for the upgrade and to be honest, I much prefer the 1st gen. It feels alot more compact in my hands and just easier to navigate through. There are other little things I dislike about the new nano such as the new menu design but maybe because I'm more used to the 1st gen and it'll take me awhile to get used to.
[441 byte] By [
jdaa] at [2007-11-11 20:54:00]
# 1 Re: Nano Gens - 1/2 vs. 3
The second generation was the best Nano. First generation was the right size but the too-easy-to-scratch finish was a real drawback. And the new third generation is just all wrong -- ugly size, back to that annoying shiny metal finish on the back, and too small to watch video, at least for my aging eyes. Second generation got it right.
# 2 Re: Nano Gens - 1/2 vs. 3
I've had a 1G, 2G, and now a 3G. (My 1G died with the notorious 1418 message. I still have the 2G.)
After my initial reservations about the 3G (those leaked photos looked terrible IMO), I just had to have one after actually holding it in the store.
As far as the form factor goes, I love it. I find that it fits in my hand very well. It's incredibly small, and I love the screen. While small, videos still look great on it. I certainly wouldn't want to watch a movie on it. But it's perfect for the video podcasts I subscribe to.
About the only thing I don't like about the hardware is the stainless back. I wish the all-anodized aluminum of the 2G had been retained.
Now the software is a different thing altogether. I find it incredibly buggy: alarms don't work correctly, if at all; play counts won't update if you play games; there's no compilation support; it doesn't work with iPod-ready alarm clocks (such as the XtremeMac Luna); and it has that stupid 'power/screen saver'.
But I still have confidence (or unfounded hope?) that Apple will sort all of these issues out with firmware updates.
# 3 Re: Nano Gens - 1/2 vs. 3
I have both a 2G and a 3G nano, both red.
Pros of the 2G: Elegant shape and form; brilliant jewel tone colors--the red is bright and stunning. I think the thing is just beautiful, and it fit perfectly in my small hand. The all aluminum case feels good in the hand, and is wonderfully scratch resistant and always looked good.
Pros of the 3G: Mostly the video--it's opened the world of video podcasts. I like having good games, too, for long boring drives (when I'm not at the wheel, of course!) The half screen thing with the album covers is pretty, but unnecessary, and I don't see cover flow as a big deal.
Cons of the 2G: Basically just not having video.
Cons of the 3G: Hate the colors! Even the red is muted--depending on the light, sometimes looks pink, sometimes purple, rarely looks really red. Hate the screen saver that comes on about a minute into a song--and there's no way to opt out of it. Doesn't hold audiobook bookmarks well, among other bugs. Hate the shiny stainless back. I'm (how shall I put this...) a "mature" user, over 50, very cautious and careful in handling it, and yet it already has scratches on the back. Unless you use it with gloves, it'll have fingerprints. No big deal, I suppose, as long as it works, but it's unsightly; and the 2G had solved the problem..
# 4 Re: Nano Gens - 1/2 vs. 3
2G and 3G. 2G because of convenience, 3G because of video.
# 5 Re: Nano Gens - 1/2 vs. 3
I would NOT buy a 3rd gen nano if you already have an iPod alarm clock or a car stereo adapter where you are used to using the iPod controls.
I just got one, and the new nanos are not compatible with most iPod alarm clocks (no music when the alarm goes off) and the scroll wheel is disabled when connected to my car stereo using an iPod2Car adapter. All of these things worked / still work perfectly fine with my 1st gen nano (and with 2nd gen as well), so I am very disappointed that I spent money on a 3rd gen that doesn't do what I'm used to!
