David Pogue gets the Nano

There's a review today in the New York Times by David Pogue of the iPod Nano. He gets why the incremental functionality will make it hard for the Flip:

The sound is crisp but mono; the video is only standard definition. The Nano does not shoot still photos; Apple says that kind of sensor wouldn't fit in a case this small.

I want to whine about these things, I really do. But you know what? You've got video in a machine that can hide between two fingers, for Pete's sake. There's something to be said about having a video recorder in a gadget that's so small, you always have it with you. What good is hi-def if you didn't have the camcorder when the moment arose?

Om on our Flip no-no

Om Malik of GigaOM has just responded on GigaOM to the debate around the new (5G) iPod Nano and the Flip, which we wanted to consign to the deadpool.

First:

Have you bought and used the new Nano? I think you will quickly realize that it isn’t that easy to use.

Secondly, to say that two hands will result in a stable camera and better shot. Of course, a Cannon HD camera would result in an awesome shot.

I think comparison is Flip – which you can use with one hand. Secondly, i think the video camera on iPhone 3GS is pretty awesome. and works nicely with one hand usage.

For the avoidance of all possible doubt:

• the new iPod Nano isn't that easy to use


• the right comparison is the Flip

Nevertheless, when evaluating the prospects for a new device, such as the Flip, which has not yet reached the mass market, you need to think about both the function and what else a potential customer (a) wants to do and (b) owns; you have to consider the choice in context.

As I said in my original comment, there's only very limited scenarios under which the Flip gets bought:

Scenario 1: I want a small, easy to use, video capture device – the Flip wins (- and I don't own a Nano and I'm not concerned about music (added))

Scenario 2: I want a small, easy to use, elegant music player – the Nano wins

Scenario 3: I want both a small, easy to use, video capture device and a small, easy to use music player – the Nano wins

Scenario 2A: I have a 5G Nano, and I want to capture video – does the usability challenge of camera placement justify the incremental expenditure on a Flip – $150 or $200? - no

Second:

if you are a casual video taker then the iPhone or new Blackberry’s do a pretty awesome job. I use the Blackberry Tour and it rocks. It is perfect for casual video. I think Flip is a step up because it creates better videos and has better sound capture.

I agree that it's a 'step up', but enough to justify another $150 or $200? I think not. Look, I'm a gadget freak, and even I can't imagine running that one past my wife...