iPod nano Overhauled and Reviewed, In-ear Apple Headphones with Mic, Last iPod classic, and More

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News, Reviews, & Opinion

• Apple Introduces New iPod nano
• 4G iPod nano 'a Clear Improvement'
• New Apple In-Ear Headphones with Remote and Mic
• The iPod Classic's Final Act
• Proporta Introduces Raft of Cases and Accessories for New iPod nano
• TuneWear Cases and TuneFilm for 4G iPod nano

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iPhone News, Reviews, & Opinion

Apple Introduces New iPod nano

Apple has also introduced the new fourth generation iPod nano, the thinnest iPod ever featuring a recent retro oblong design with a curved aluminum and glass enclosure in nine colors. The new iPod nano incorporates Apple's Genius technology which automatically creates playlists from songs in your music library that go great together, with just one click. The new iPod nano also features a refined user interface, a high resolution portrait display and a built-in accelerometer which automatically switches to Cover Flow when rotated and automatically goes into Shuffle mode when lightly shaken. The new iPod nano gives users up to 24 hours of music playback or four hours of video playback and is available worldwide immediately in an 8 GB model for just $149 and a 16 GB model for just $199. Both models come in silver, purple, blue, green, orange, yellow, pink, (PRODUCT) RED and black.

The new iPod nano - the thinnest iPod ever - features a new design that blends a two-inch display with a curved aluminum and glass enclosure. The new contoured design is intended to fit even more comfortably in your hand.

iPod nano works seamlessly with iTunes so you can import, manage and then easily auto-sync your favorite content. You can buy music, video and games for your iPod nano from the iTunes Store with more than 8.5 million songs available for preview and one-click purchase. With up to 24 hours of music playback or four hours of video playback on a single charge, the new iPod nano is the ultraportable way to enjoy your favorite music, TV shows, movies and games on the go. The 16 GB model holds up to 4,000 songs, 14,000 photos and 16 hours of video, and the 8 GB model holds up to 2,000 songs, 7,000 photos and eight hours of video.

The new iPod nano is available immediately for a suggested price of $149 for the 8 GB model and $199 for the 16 GB model through the Apple Store, Apple's retail stores, and Apple Authorized Resellers. Both capacities come in silver, blue, purple, green, orange, yellow, pink, (PRODUCT) RED and black. iPod nano requires a Mac with a USB 2.0 port, Mac OS X v10.4.11 or later and iTunes 8; or a Windows PC with a USB 2.0 port and Windows Vista or Windows XP Home or Professional (Service Pack 3) or later and iTunes 8.

*Battery life and number of charge cycles vary by use and settings. See www.apple.com/batteries for more information. Music capacity is based on four minutes per song and 128-Kbps AAC encoding; photo capacity is based on iPod-viewable photos transferred from iTunes; and video capacity is based on H.264 1.5 Mbps video at 640 x 480 resolution.

4G iPod nano 'a Clear Improvement'

PC Magazine's Tim Gideon says:

"Apple's fourth generation (4G) iPod nano melds the best of nanos old and new: specifically the older, more popular tall-and-slim design with the newer, larger screen from the third-generation player. At $149 for 8 GB, and $199 for 16 GB, the nano is impressively priced given its additions, including a built-in accelerometer (a la iPod touch) which flips the screen orientation, on-the-go Genius playlists, and the gimmicky-but-fun "shake to shuffle" feature. It's one of the best looking and most successfully executed flash players ever created, and like any good gadget, it's fun to use, despite its sophisticated user interface."

Link: Apple iPod nano (4th generation)

New Apple In-Ear Headphones with Remote and Mic

PR: The new Apple In-Ear Headphones with Remote and Mic are engineered for superior acoustic accuracy, balance, and clarity. So you hear details you've been missing with other, lesser headphones.

Unlike many small headphones, each earpiece of the Apple In-Ear Headphones contains two separate high-performance drivers - a woofer to handle bass and midrange sounds and a tweeter for high-frequency audio. These dedicated drivers help ensure accurate, detailed sound across the entire sonic spectrum. The result: You're immersed in the music and hear details you never knew existed. Even when listening to an old favorite, you may feel like you're hearing it for the first time.

Hear, hear.

The Apple In-Ear Headphones deliver a truly immersive sound experience by drastically reducing unwanted outside noises. The soft, silicone ear tips fit snugly and comfortably in your ear, creating a seal that isolates your music from your surroundings. Three different sizes of ear tips are included so you can find a perfect fit for each ear. Also included are a convenient carrying case for the ear tips and a cable-control case for the headphones themselves.

Keep it clean.

Inside each earpiece is a stainless steel mesh cap that protects the precision acoustic components from dust and debris. You can remove the caps for cleaning or replace them with an extra set that's included in the box.

Be in control.

The control capsule located on the cable of the right earpiece includes a microphone and three buttons. With this convenient remote, you can adjust the volume, control music or video playback - including play/pause and next/previous - and record voice memos. (See compatibility information below.)

They sell for $79.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency response: 5 Hz to 21 kHz
• Impedance (at 100 Hz): 23 ohms
• Sensitivity (at 100 Hz): 109 dB SPL/mW

Length and weight

• Cable length: 1065 mm from audio jack to splitter; 330 mm to earpiece
• Weight: 0.4 ounce (10.2 grams)

Connector: Four-conductor 3.5mm audio jack

Frequency Response: Two dedicated drivers in each earpiece provide incredibly accurate, balanced and detailed sound across the entire sonic spectrum.

System requirements: The remote and mic are supported only by iPod nano (4th generation), iPod classic (120 GB), and iPod touch (2nd generation). Audio is supported by all iPod models

Link: Apple In-Ear Headphones

The iPod Classic's Final Act

Macworld's Peter Cohen says:

"The end of the road is in sight for the venerable iPod classic. Meriting barely a passing mention during Apple's 'Let's Rock' press event on Tuesday, the device is now available in only a single 120 GB model for $249. Oh, how the mighty have fallen...."

Link: The iPod Classic's Final Act

Proporta Introduces Raft of Cases for New iPod nano

PR: The new iPod family is out there and Proporta are ready and prepared with a wide selection of accessories for the new 4G nano, the new touch, and the new classic.

Proporta have been quick off the starting block to provide the latest in stylish (and practical) accessories for your newly designed iPod, whether it be the new iPod nano, the new iPod touch or the new iPod classic.

The Mini Maya Pouch (Apple 4G iPod nano) is perfect for housing your 4th generation iPod nano - keeping it safe from knocks, bumps and any nasties lurking in your bag or pockets. It?s also available in enough colours to make a rainbow jealous - just like the new iPod nano. Available in Pink, White, Black, Orange, Green and Brown.

Mini Maya Pouch: $7.95

The Profile Case (Apple 4G iPod nano) is made from a thin yet incredibly tough polycarbonate, and covered in stylish embossed leather. The ideal accessory to protect your nano from everyday scratches and impact damage. Available in a variety of styles. Available in Black, Red, Pink, and Mulberry. 

Profile Case: $29.95

The Proporta Compact Mirror iPod Case (Apple 4G iPod nano) is stylish, sleek and available in Mulberry, Port or Black. The Compact Mirror iPod Case features an internal mirror. So you can look almost as good as your 4G iPod nano surely will. Available in Mulberry, Black, or Port. 

Compact Mirror iPod Case: $36.95

Made from an alternative to leather, the Proporta Leather Style Protective Case (Apple 4G iPod nano) is custom designed to fit the exact specifications of your new iPod nano. Beautifully designed with a contrast interior. You?ll struggle to find a case this stylish that is so easy on the wallet (not to mention the cows). Available in Red, Black, Brown, or Pink.

Leather Style Protective Case: $27.95

The Proporta Echo Mirror Case (Apple 4G iPod nano) is durable enough to protect your 4G iPod nano and clever enough to double up as a mirror when your LCD is switched off. Making it the envy of anyone lucky enough to be in its presence.

Echo Mirror Case: $25.95

Handmade from high quality leather, Proporta's Aluminium Lined Leather Case (Apple 4G iPod nano) boasts a perfect, custom fit with maximum protection. Lined with aircraft grade aluminium, the cover offers the ultimate in tough screen protection to save your device from crushing and impact shocks. Available in Black, Mulberry, Teal, or Chocolate.

Aluminium Lined Leather Case: $29.95

The Proporta Soft Feel Silicone Case (Apple 4G iPod nano) is cleverly precision moulded from impact absorbent Silicone to provide two thin (yet really tough), Available in Grey/Black, White/Clear, White/Black, Orange/Grey, Pink/Clear, and Black/White.

Soft Feel Silicone Case: $25.95

Protect your Apple 4G iPod nano without impairing its sharp, sleek image. The Proporta Impact Protective Crystal Case (Apple 4G iPod nano) has a soft-feel back and scratch-resistant top shell making it soft to the touch, but super tough. $24.95

For the new iPod touch and iPod classic Proporta has released a similar range of accessories to the above. All of which are available to order from Proporta.

See them at proporta.com and check out everything they have to offer, iPod related and otherwise.

• Mini Maya Pouch
• Profile Case
• Compact Mirror iPod Case
• Leather Style Protective Case
• Echo Mirror Case
• Aluminium Lined Leather Case
• Soft Feel Silicone Case
• Impact Protective Crystal Case

TuneWear Cases and TuneFilm for 4G iPod nano

PR: TuneWear announces protective cases and protective film for Apple's new iPod nano 4G. The new line includes the best selling silicone case series [IceWear for iPod nano 4G], crystal-clear polycarbonate hard shell case [TuneShell for iPod nano 4G] and clear protective film [TuneFilm for iPod nano 4G]. All iPod nano 4G products will become available in September.

IceWear for iPod nano 4G

IceWear for iPod nano 4G utilizes our patented rib technology for a strong grip. Made of the same high-density silicone used in diving masks, IceWear for iPod nano 4G protects iPod nano 4G from accidental bumps and drops.

IceWear does not cover the iPod nano 4G click wheel or the screen, rather it is intentionally left open for complete control and viewing. Instead of covering the screen, we have added embossed edges around the screen to help prevent scratching. Also included free is TuneFilm, a clear protective film that covers the LCD and click wheel for extra protection.

The back of IceWear has small holes for attaching charms, neck lanyards or wrist straps. (not included) - SRP $19.95

TuneShell for iPod nano 4G

TuneShell for iPod nano 4G is made of crystal-clear polycarbonate allowing you to enjoy the color of your iPod nano 4G while protecting it from dirt and scratching. This hard but thin case seems almost invisible when installed.

TuneShell easily snaps on to your iPod nano 4G, and leaves the headphone jack, bottom dock connector and click wheel open for complete access to iPod controls.

The back of TuneShell has small holes for attaching charms, neck lanyards or wrist straps. (not included) - SRP $19.95

TuneFilm for iPod nano 4G

TuneFilm for iPod nano 4G is a crystal-clear protective film for iPod nano 4G. TuneFilm protects the screen and click wheel of iPod nano 4G against dirt and scratches and gives you the peace of mind knowing that yours will be like-new for a long, long time.

TuneFilm protects the screen and click wheel of iPod nano 4G against dirt and scratches and give you the peace of mind knowing that your iPod will be like-new for a long, long time.

TuneFilm for iPod nano 4G is sold separately and is included free with select TuneWear products such as IceWear for iPod nano 4G. - SRP $12.95

Link: TuneWear