iPod nano (3rd generation)
The near-square fat nano, widened to fit a 2-inch video screen and Cover Flow. Apple went back to the tall thin body a year later.
Released September 5, 2007 · Discontinued September 9, 2008 · From $149 (4 GB)
The stubby one. Apple widened the nano into a near-square to fit a 2-inch screen capable of video, and the result looked wrong to almost everybody at launch. It was quickly nicknamed the fat nano. Video playback on a 2-inch screen made about as much sense as it had on the 2.5-inch iPod, which is to say not much, but the Cover Flow interface worked nicely on it and three new games came bundled. Apple sold a lot of them regardless of the shape, and then went straight back to the tall thin body the following year and never mentioned it again.
Reviews & Reception
The short, wide nano played video for the first time and took iLounge's first flat A in two years.
Even we're surprised that it's the first iPod since 2005 to earn our flat A rating.
Whether you're looking for a gift, a second iPod, or just something to tide you over while you wait for the right new big-screened iPod to arrive, the new nano is likely to be your best possible purchase today.