Apple iPod nano (8GB; second generation)

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As expected, Apple announced the second-generation iPod nano, and, yes, it does have a maximum capacity of 8GB. That brings it in line with the current market rate--before today, the 4GB iPod nano cost as much as the 8GB SanDisk Sansa e280--S$450 (US$323.16) (ouch). Well, here's Apple's retort, and while the new nano still doesn't play video, it is much improved in many ways, including the price, which gives you twice the gigabytes for the same price. The 2GB model will cost S$248 (US$178.10), the 4GB S$348 (US$249.91), and the 8GB S$428 (US$307.36).

	The all-new earphones.

The second-gen iPod nano looks and feels better. Its body is now made of anodized aluminum, rather than the scratch-prone polycarbonate of the original. It's also thinner, believe it or not. Five new bright colors bring us back to the iPod mini days: Silver (2GB/4GB), green (4GB), pink (4GB), blue (4GB), and black (8GB)--thinner, more durable, and colorful.

What's more, you get up to a rated 24 hours of battery life now, plus gapless playback of audio files (like in the new 5G iPod and iTunes 7). Other features include instant search by first letter, the "new and improved" headphones, and a 40 percent brighter screen. Even the iPod nano packaging is improved, with 52 percent less volume.

So, in addition to the boost in capacity, the new nano is all about improvement: Improved durability, sleekness, and battery; some wish-list features such as gapless playback; and of course, an array of color choices. While the value of this model isn't as great as for the S$598 (US$429.44) 80GB iPod (and you can get the much thicker but more feature filled SanDisk for the same price), the thin design and incremental improvements should continue the nano's claim as the world's most popular player. We will update our opinion once we get our hands on one. Also check out our first take on the new 5G iPod.