New iPod Nano to bring back slim design?
One possible design for Apple's fourth-generation iPod nano, on the right, as compared to a Microsoft Zune music player.
(Credit: iLounge)The next generation of the iPod Nano might be getting a slimmed-down makeover, according to a report.
iLounge believes it has hit on the design for the fourth-generation iPod Nano, reporting that Apple plans to bring back the thinner iPod Nano design of years past but in a taller package that's a nod to the screen size of today's "fat" iPod Nano. Video would play in landscape mode, borrowing from the landscape viewing mode of the iPhone and iPod Touch and delivering a 1.5-to-1 aspect ratio.
The current iPod Nano, redesigned for video last year.
(Credit: CNET)The fat iPod Nano was a bit controversial when it was first introduced, but people seem to have gotten used to the idea. Last year Apple redesigned its most popular iPod in line with its increased focus on video in the iTunes Store, as the screen size on the early thin iPod Nanos was way too small to comfortably watch video.
The new design also reminded iLounge of Microsoft's Zune flash player, although to be fair, that Zune player seemed to remind people of the original iPod Nano design when it was released. In any event, the Zune didn't seem to make much headway in the past year against the fat iPod Nano design.
Apple has held a September iPod event the last several years, and we're pretty sure they'll have another one on tap this year, with a revamped iPod Touch likely to accompany a new iPod Nano. In support of that suspicion, AppleInsider is reporting that resellers have been told to expect shortages of iPods and Macbooks in the coming weeks.
Tom Krazit writes about the ever-expanding world of Internet search, including Google, Yahoo, online advertising, and portals, as well as the evolution of mobile computing. He has written about traditional PC companies, chip manufacturers, and mobile computers, spending the last three years covering Apple. E-mail Tom. 



If the zune was so great, it would have sold. It didn't. Now go tell your evil masters that you've done their bidding, maybe they'll pay you again.
Really sad.
my phones plays music AND more
"So, please, comment on the item or article's topic, not your personal insecurities"
You would be wise to heed your own advice.
iPod Shuffle
The least interesting of the ipod line. 4 gigs of memory, some new colors and maybe a little thinner. But it will keep the screen.
iPod Nano
The iPod Nano is a tough product to predict because part of me wants to see it complety rehabed into a completly different product such as the zune-alike but the other half wants to just do minor updates. I decided to go with the minor updates. iPod nano increases memory to 16 gig for 150 and possibly 8 for 100.. The nano will get a handful of new color options also.And most likely become thinner
iPod Classic
The iPod Classic will stay classic get more memory and become cheaper and thinner.
iPod Touch
The iPod touch will get a major pricer reduction and memory increase and maybe some new firmware. Im thinking 16 gigs at 199.
Ipod touch 2
I think that apple is going to utilize their touch capability and add a new low-end ipod touch. Probaly a smaller screen and 100 for 4 gigs. It would probaly lack features such as wireless. Apple will introduce it as a new version of the iPod Nano. Such as the iPod Nano with Touch.
- by juicboxx September 5, 2008 6:25 PM PDT
- MY prediction for the Apple Lets Rock conference on September 9th is that Apple would go through major product transition with one or possibly two of their current ipod line and possibly add a new line of ipods, think entry level iPhone or entry level iPod touch. AS for the rumored Zune-alike iPOd, I just don't see that ipod as a product that apple would make, it seems liike a cheap knock-off. Here is a breakdown of what will happen.
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(27 Comments)iPod Shuffle
The least interesting of the ipod line. 4 gigs of memory, some new colors and maybe a little thinner. But it will keep the screen.
iPod Nano
The iPod Nano is a tough product to predict because part of me wants to see it complety rehabed into a completly different product such as the zune-alike but the other half wants to just do minor updates. I decided to go with the minor updates. iPod nano increases memory to 16 gig for 150 and possibly 8 for 100.. The nano will get a handful of new color options also.And most likely become thinner
iPod Classic
The iPod Classic will stay classic get more memory and become cheaper and thinner.
iPod Touch
The iPod touch will get a major pricer reduction and memory increase and maybe some new firmware. Im thinking 16 gigs at 199.
Ipod touch 2
I think that apple is going to utilize their touch capability and add a new low-end ipod touch. Probaly a smaller screen and 100 for 4 gigs. It would probaly lack features such as wireless. Apple will introduce it as a new version of the iPod Nano. Such as the iPod Nano with Touch.