--OTHER PRODUCTS--
There are many versions of this iPod, from different GB sizes to different designs and new features. As for GB size, this size is perfect for holding a big selection of music plus a couple of TV programmes. If you want to hold lots of films and music then you will be wanting the 16GB or even upgrading to the iPod classic or touch.

Design wise, the version before this was square with rounded corners, more muted colours and was thicker. The one before that one was similar in shape to my iPod but it had a small screen and was in black and white.
The iPod after mine, the 5th generation, is near identical apart from a couple of new features including a camera on the back and a radio. Unless you are me, you will have a camera on your phone so I do not see the point in this.
The newest nano in the range is the 6th generation which sees it going back to earlier designs with it's curves and light colours, although it is much smaller, has a touch screen and is cheaper that the version before!

This 4th generation is the one that seems to be the most popular and is what I shall be reviewing.

--DESIGN--
My iPod is oh so pretty. It is a lovely orange colour all over apart from the click wheel. It comes in a range of other colours; blue, purple, green, yellow, pink, red, silver and black. It measures 3.6 x 1.5 inches (9.7cm x 3.8cm) and is 0.2 inch (6mm) thick and is very light. The colour display is 2 inches diagonally. On the top is a hold switch, to prevent buttons changing when in your pocket and the bottom a socket for the USB.

--PRICE--
I purchased this for just over £100 in November 2008 but looking online I don't think they sell this one anymore, instead you would have to purchase the 5th generation which is near enough identical. Amazon has the one in the same colour as mine for £149 for 8GB and the 16GB for £199.

--MUSIC--
Primarily a music player, holding up to 2000 songs, it plays music in whatever way you require. By artist, album, genre, composer, genius playlist or shuffle! Playlists are useful to create as you can add a selection of songs to fit a particular mood under a list. Shuffle means that random songs will play which is good sometimes for listening to those tracks on albums that you would never listen to otherwise. Genius picks a selection of songs based on one you have picked.
When listening to a song the picture from the album will display and turning the iPod to the side enables you to flick through all your albums by the picture.
Music quality is good but I am no expert. The earphones it comes with are fine but they do not last too long.

--OTHER FUNCTIONS--
You can play films, TV shows and listen to audio books on here, holding up to 8 hours. I've only watched an episode of Glee which I bought from iTunes, but the quality is sharp and pretty good considering the small screen. It is watched sideways so the making the most of the wider screen this way.
Photo's can also be uploaded onto this iPod, up to 7000, which would have been nice to look at during my travels had I had the time before I left. The iPod also serves as a storage device meaning you can save documents onto this. I would only really do this though if you are trying to save space when away as it is much easier just to use a pen drive.
On the extra selection there are the usual alarms, calendars, clocks, contacts and games that you would usually associate with a phone. I suppose they would make a useful back-up but otherwise I would rather just use my phone for these. I did try the alarm but I couldn't get it to sound! There are three games on here, one of which I have used properly and is a maze that you have to guide a ball round. I would suggest avoid playing this in public as to guide it you tip the iPod up and down and to the side and so looks a bit odd!

--USEABILITY--
The shuffle function (operated by a flick of the wrist holding the iPod) can be annoying sometimes as you can be listening to a track and accidently dropping it or moving it results in the track changing! This can be switched off though.

Adjustments can be made to language, text size and things like how long the screen stays on before it dims. This is useful to know when trying to save the battery. It says there is up to 24 hours music playback and 4 hours video, but I wouldn't say it was quite that much, but it is still pretty good. To charge you use the USB (included) but if you prefer you can purchase a charger that plugs into the wall.

One of the feature of iPods is the clicker wheel instead of buttons. This white wheel located at the bottom of the iPod is used by lightly moving your finger round it and pressing to make a selection. It is different to use than anything else but is quick to get used to.

I use iTunes (by Apple) to store my music and upload to it to my iPod which works well apart from when you are away from your computer as I was when travelling. It was difficult to upload new music without erasing the current music on there, although a friend did manage it. I believe you can use Media Player or another music player with your iPod so I would suggest this if you are likely to be away from the computer that has your iTunes on.

--AFTERCARE--
I bought a clear hard plastic casing for my iPod which meant that it was protected but you could still see the colour of the iPod. This has prevented it from scratches but not from a water incident that happened near Uluru. My iPod stopped working, refusing to charge. Rather inconvenient as I was on a trip through the middle of Australia and all the way down the West Coast and it would have come in handy. I couldn't do anything until I got to Sydney. I booked an appointment online with the service/help/repair section of the giant Apple store and they replaced my iPod for me. They can tell when it was bought from the serial number which you can find from the menu on the iPod.
Looking on the Apple site it looks to be a pretty similar process in the UK for servicing your iPod.



I love my iPod. It is a great colour and a great design. It feels neither too big nor too small. Because I am pretty lazy I don't add or change the content much so 8GB is perfect or me. It is worth noting that the storage capacity for music, video and photos is if you had just that type alone. It will obviously be less if you had a bit of each type. If you are going away travelling I would recommend purchasing another brand music player as it is difficult to upload music from iTunes on the go but if not and you are looking for something trendy, easy to use and pretty to look at then this iPod is a great choice.