Every year, audiophiles seem to be looking forward to it once fall rolls around. Many of them are because Apple is ready to launch its new products. And for 2009, released on September 9, Steve Jobs released to the world the fifth-generation iPod Nano that comes even more packed with goodies, and in this new line comes the Apple iPod MC037, an 8GB Nano drive that comes with a Finished in blue polished anodized aluminum. Considering Apple’s penchant for setting the bar higher with each of its products they release, Apple’s 5th Gen iPod MC037 now comes with a video camera.
The new Apple iPod MC037 sports the same shape that adorned its previous model and has, as of now, totally abandoned its third generation design and has stuck to what many would think is the best shape for the Nano. The latest Nano coating measures 3.5 inches tall, 1.6 inches wide, and is a quarter-inch thick in the middle.
Another update to the previous model found on the Apple iPod MC037 is a slightly larger screen measuring 2.2 inches, the previous model was “only” 2 inches. This increase in screen size has allowed the Apple iPod MC037 to now display 12 lines of menu text, 2 more than the previous ones, and the other lists on the screen are bolder, making them more readable.
That same cladding also received a new color finish that is glossy and has a polished aluminum feel; Think shiny and flimsy Christmas bauble decorations. The best and easiest way to see if your iPod Nano is really the Apple iPod MC037 is to flip it. New to this model is a video camera located at the bottom rear of the case and gently cleansing with the flow of the finish, unlike other camera lenses that protrude from the frame and are 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 can cause some compatibility issues with aftermarket accessories and can result in a difficult fit. Fortunately, there is a universal adapter available, which is sold separately.
Being the main added ingredient for the Apple iPod MC037 and the rest of the fifth generation iPod Nano, the video camera is what most people are curious about. First of all, if you expect a high-quality camera, you are sure to be disappointed. It does not provide HD quality videos and cannot even take photos. But that does not mean that there is nothing good about it. Mainly, the ease of use is something to brighten up. With just two clicks of the wheel, you’re already recording. The video camera has a resolution of 640×480 pixels that records in MP4 and H.264 formats. While you may not use this to film your family vacations, it can be very useful in suitable situations. Surprisingly, the microphone records very well. It can pick up whispered conversations from about two to three meters away without any problem and provides highly audible output.
Next, and one of the most requested, because it is the latest portable media player to use one, is the FM player. It provides excellent reception, although you must use headphones and not the built-in speaker, as the Apple iPod MC037 uses it as an antenna.
All in all, the Apple iPod MC037 remains the exceptional MP3 player the iPod is known for. And with more features added to an already exceptional device, you can expect it to get better.
