Is the 4th Generation Nano battery life really that bad? Was thinking of buying one for use on the airplane and gym (mostly for audio, not much if any video). I have gone through a Mini, 1st Generation Nano, 30GB Classic, and now wanted a newer 16GB Nano. But my big concern is the reviews with poor battery life. Any chance a newer firmware update has fixed or helped this "issue"? I had a 32GB Touch, but returned it unopened because of the size and cost. Plus I am planning on getting an iPhone late this year and figured it was almost redundant. So pretty sure I want the Nano, just concered about the battery life. Any ideas? Is the 4th Generation Nano battery life really that bad? Was thinking of buying one for use on the airplane and gym (mostly for audio, not much if any video). I have gone through a Mini, 1st... » Read More Is the 4th Generation Nano battery life really that bad? Was thinking of buying one for use on the airplane and gym (mostly for audio, not much if any video). I have gone through a Mini, 1st Generation Nano, 30GB Classic, and now wanted a newer 16GB Nano. But my big concern is the reviews with poor battery life. Any chance a newer firmware update has fixed or helped this "issue"? I had a 32GB Touch, but returned it unopened because of the size and cost. Plus I am planning on getting an iPhone late this year and figured it was almost redundant. So pretty sure I want the Nano, just concered about the battery life. Any ideas? « Show Less
255429
I just got the 16GB for Christmas. After reading all the battery posts, the first thing I did was charge it fully, then play it until the battery died. I got 20+ hours. I think a lot has to do with how often the screen is "lit". If you're constantly shuffling through, picking songs, adjusting volume etc. i think one would get less life than just playing it like I did (the screen was black most of the time since I wasn't adjusting anything). And of course, i would expect video or games to kill the battery even quicker. That would be a good test, play a video straight through and see the life. I don't have any videos loaded, so I can't really test that. I just got the 16GB for Christmas. After reading all the battery posts, the first thing I did was charge it fully, then play it until the battery died. I got 20+ hours. I think a lot has to do with how often the screen is "lit". If you're constantly shuffling through, picking songs, adjusting volume etc. i think one would get less life than just playing it like I did (the screen was black most of the time since I wasn't adjusting anything). And of course, i would expect video or games to kill the battery even quicker. That would be a good test, play a video straight through and... » Read More I just got the 16GB for Christmas. After reading all the battery posts, the first thing I did was charge it fully, then play it until the battery died. I got 20+ hours. I think a lot has to do with how often the screen is "lit". If you're constantly shuffling through, picking songs, adjusting volume etc. i think one would get less life than just playing it like I did (the screen was black most of the time since I wasn't adjusting anything). And of course, i would expect video or games to kill the battery even quicker. That would be a good test, play a video straight through and see the life. I don't have any videos loaded, so I can't really test that. « Show Less
255430
Many of the reviews here on Amazon mention poor battery life. I would use it for the gym and on the plane. My concern is I am often on the plane 2+ hours so a 2 hour battery life would not be good for me. Not sure how many games I would be playing so purely for audio purposes it might be OK. I would go with a 2nd or 3rd generation Nano, but I am repalcing a 30GB iPod and going down to 4 or 8GB is not preferred. I am OK with 16GB, but no less so I think I still might choose this model. I originalyl had the Touch but I am lookign to get an iPhone later this year so I decided to return the Touch. Many of the reviews here on Amazon mention poor battery life. I would use it for the gym and on the plane. My concern is I am often on the plane 2+ hours so a 2 hour battery life would not be good for me. Not sure how many games I would be playing so purely for audio purposes it might be OK. I would go with a 2nd or 3rd generation Nano, but I am repalcing a 30GB iPod and going down to 4 or 8GB is not preferred. I am OK with 16GB, but no less so I think I still might choose this model. I originalyl had the Touch but I am lookign to get an iPhone later this year so I decided to return the Touch.
255431
No, the battery life is only short when your messing around on the menu, but when your listening to music and NOTHING else, it's a whole different story. One time I was listening to music at night, fell asleep, woke up in the morning and there was only HALF the batttery life. It was fully charged at night, so there is about 20 hr. of music listening time, or whatever you call it. Anywho, there's to many kids on Amazon that treat there things poorly, get on the computer, and type a bad review about it. I think the new ipod nano is awesome and has good battery life.
255432
fannie lou, sounds like you got a lemon. I'd return if it was me. And regardless would return it since you already have docking systems. The charging issue is a known one, if you have older docking systems, it may likely not work. New docking systems will most likely work. That does suck. My attitude is that the Nano 4th gen is great for first time ipod users like myself (who will buy new docking stations anyway), not so good for existing users.
255433
I received a 4th Generation for Christmas and have no trouble with batterylife. I often listen to audiobooks as well as listening at work. I don't have a charging station at work and can usually go at least 2 full working days (8 hour days) without charging.
842520
Yes, mine freezes right after syncing - then after hard reset, its ok till next sync. complete BS. I'm curious when you bought yours? I also have a gen 1 nano which never does this. They pumped the gen 2's out prematurely for xmas 2006 with some serious bugs - looks like.Its obviously a hardware problem - software(firmware) won't fix this or it would have happened by now through updates.My plan is to keep requesting replacements (i'm on my second) from apple to keep the warranty active. It will be fixed eventually.
592942
I have not had problems with my ipod nano or my nexus 4. It is important to note I rarely use them on anything other than my nano. I use them daily for that purpose and have logged hundreds of miles with zero issues. I would buy another of these in a heartbeat.
842525
I have had the same problem since owning mine since 6/3/2007. After each time that I recharge/sync it the Nano will freeze, requiring a reset to get it working again. After that it will work fine each time I turn it on up until recharging/resyncing it again. This is rather annoying considering that I just upgraded from a 1st gen 2GB Nano to a 4GB 2nd gen.
1271271
I can't speak for the touch but here is what I came up with for the Nano (same symptom). I called Altec Lansing technical support (1-800-258-3288) and stated the problem with the 4th generation Nano not charging. The man I spoke with was aware of the problem and will ship a new unit to anyone calling in with the same issue. I am required to send my unit back to them and they will ship a new unit with a different pin configuration that will solve the problem. You are required to ship the unit with proof of purchase (copy of receipt) to the address they provide in Milford, PA. You will only be out the shipping charges to get it there. He mentioned that I should receive a new unit (Not Rebuilt) around 10 days after they receive mine. Hope this helps.
277610
I'm waiting for a 128gb flash player that SOUNDS good, and can be loaded with a standard usb cable, and not requiring some proprietary software (read itunes). I test drove a 64gb ipod touch when it first came out, because my 16gb cowon iaudio7 is too small, but it sounded terrible, admittedly it was a stock set of tunes ripped at a low bit rate, but when I wanted to load up my own max bit rate tunes to it, the geniuses at the apple store couldn't fathom why someone would want to listen to tunes they'd ripped themselves, or how to make it happen. Hopefully someone raises the bar on storage space and sound quality, neither of which should be hard at this point. I wish someone would swing for the fences and do a flash 256gb player. I have to admit, I'm anachronistic, in that I don't want internet access, apps, videos, etc. just a gigantic music player that's not disk based (use it on a motorcycle, drop it constantly on the commute), that sounds fantastic and has great battery life. The more things a device does, the performance of each of those things suffers.
229809
ya, I immediately noticed the weaker battery life in this model. That, and the lack of supporting docking charges are my main complaints/concerns. I understand that the accelerometer is probably using more battery life but COME ONE why does this thing drop down to half life within 4 hrs of use?? And it wouldn't be so bad If I could use my car charger with it, but nope, no compatibility. I'm not sure if this is something that can be corrected with firmware updates but Apple should really get on this.
380245
I would check this out on the Apple Support site. Everything that I see talks about needing the software 1.0.3 for the 4th generation iPod Nano and nothing about a 3rd generation or before.
639063
Hi there,i'd like to buy a new 8GB mp3, but, i'm confused between the new ipod nano and zune. people say that the 3rd gen nano has a great battery life now, but, i'm discouraged from transferring my music files to itunes and changing the format (i've been using windows media. so, they're mostly in .wma)Is it true that Zune's software is crippled?being an experienced useer, would you recommend zune or nano? =)thanks a bunch!!
395994
I had a nano 2nd generation until recently when I upgraded to the classic 120. The nano and I had good times and I consireded keeping it for the gym and what not. BUt I love my music so much and my taste varies from hour to hour that I would rather keep the classic with me at all times with my entire music collection and create several playlists within it than keep my nano and not have everything I want at any given moment. So the nano will be inherited by my mom this Christmas. Yep, thats right, some seriously early "Christmas shopping" ;-)
366565
Well, I figure that the current-gen 64GB Touch may probably last you at least through the next couple of years without any fear of obsolescence. I mean, the 32/64GB Touch has roughly the same hardware that the iPad has, iirc, or at least the same functionality, and that just came out last week or so, so...you're probably safe with the 64GB 3rd Gen, I have a hunch.
255896
I recently bought the 8GB Nano from Amazon and returned it within a week due to the problems you describe. I thought I was the only one. 8GB Nano would freeze up at least once a day, and would sometimes turn on unexpectedly (when it was turned off and I would just pick it up) with a solid white screen that would not turn off and would not respond to button presses - I would have to reset it. I was so disappointed with my ipod experience that I requested a refund (rather than a replacment) so I can buy a competitor's product. I am jaded about Apple/iPod now.
519601
I have/had a 4th generation nano and the same thing happened. I called for support and was told that the headphone socket needed to be replaced. I found detailed repair videos on youtube and everything else I needed EXCEPT the part. The part was discontinued and I've not been able to find it. However, it is my understanding that if you bring your ipod into an apple store that they can/will replace the part for something like $80.00
2167348
Thanks for the info. I ended up keeping my 1st gen & doing the upgrade for $10. I love it! After using it the speaker seems like it would be worthless & it is very easier to adjust the volume anyway.
1807791
... all in all I don't think that the battery will make it from LAX to SYD - honestly, the battery life on full-bright screen is not impressive ... 3 - 4 hours ?? IDK, and IDC ... - it's a great ultra-book and battery life was nothing for me to care or worry about. I guess you can always get a battery extension, or fly First Class. ... or take a I-Pad Mini along for those long flights ...
1992352
Classic ipods have a hard drive which could theoretically, be damaged by running. Apple doesn't want to promote people running with their classics, so they haven't allowed the Nike plus system to work with one. I know...it sucks. I have a classic and I want this system badly, so I'm probably going to suck it up and buy an 8GB nano. It'll be less bulky to run with anyway.
951334
Agree with some of the other posters. I have a photo Ipod, not video, but it does much better than 3-4 hours. There were issues with the first couple of generation of Ipods a few years ago, but thanks to a class action lawsuit, Apple seems to have solved this problem.