Every year, audiophiles seem to grow antsy once autumn rolls in. Many of these are because Apple is set to release its new products. And for 2009, released in September 9, Steve Jobs unleashed to the world the 5th generation iPod Nano which comes even more packed with goodies, and in this new line-up comes the Apple iPod MC037, an 8 GB Nano unit that comes with a Blue polished anodized aluminium finish. Considering Apple’s penchant for setting the bar higher with each of their products they release, the 5th Gen Apple iPod MC037 now comes with a video camera.
The new Apple iPod MC037 sports the same shape that has adorned its previous model and has totally abandoned, as of now, its 3rd gen design and has stuck to what many would think is the best shape for the Nano. The latest Nano encasement measures 3.5 inches in height, 1.6 inches wide, and is a quarter of an inch thick on the middle.
Another upgrade from the previous model found in the Apple iPod MC037 is a slightly bigger screen that measures 2.2 inches, the previous model “only” had 2 inches. This increase in screen size have allowed the Apple iPod MC037 to display 12 lines now of menu text, 2 more than the previous, and the other lists in the screen are bolder making them more readable.
That same encasement also was given a new colour finish that is glossy and has a polished aluminium feel; think about the shiny brittle Christmas ball ornaments. The best way, which is also the easiest, to see if your iPod Nano is indeed the Apple iPod MC037, is to flip it around. New to this model is a video camera located at the lower back of the casing and is smoothly flushed to the flow of the finish, unlike with other camera lens that protrudes from the frame and is more susceptible to scratches.
For the Apple iPod MC037, you may notice that the position of the dock and headphone ports has been reversed. This may cause some compatibility problems with aftermarket accessories and may result to a difficult fit. Fortunately, a universal adapter is available, which is sold separately.
Being the main added ingredient for the Apple iPod MC037 and the rest of the 5th generation iPod Nano, the video camera is what most people are curious about. First off, if you’re expecting a high quality camera, then you will surely be disappointed. It doesn’t provide high definition quality videos and it can’t even take photos. But that doesn’t mean that there’s no good thing about it. Primarily, the easiness of use is something to cheer about. With just two clicks of the wheel, you’re already recording. The video camera has a resolution of 640×480 pixels that records in an MP4 and H.264 format. While you may probably not use this for filming your family vacation, it can become very handy at the apt situations. Amazingly, the microphone records remarkably well. It can pick up hushed conversation about eight to ten feet away without any problems and provides a very audible output.
Next, and one of the most in-demand, because it’s the last portable multimedia player to sport one, is the FM player. It provides excellent reception although you have to use the ear buds and not the built in speaker as the Apple iPod MC037 uses it as an antenna.
All in all, the Apple iPod MC037 is still the exceptional MP3 player that the iPod is known for. And with more features being added to an already exceptional piece of gadgetry, you can expect it to just get better.