Apple’s Surprise Hit: iPod Nanos

Practically everyone has seen the commercials for the cute, compact iPod Nanos or knows someone who owns one of these devices. The iPod Nanos were a surprise success for Apple, not because they were an item that wasn’t expected to sell, but an item that was a surprise for the consumer. The iPod Nanos were a replacement for the iPod mini as the middle of the road iPod product, with more features and space than the iPod shuffle and less than the traditional iPod. The unveiling of the iPod Nanos came as a shock to the press, because while they were expecting an iPod that used flash memory, no one seemed to predict that Apple would so completely replace the iPod minis with iPod Nanos. Sales for iPod minis were still strong, so it seemed like there was no reason to phase out a successful product even with the advent of a new one. Still, the bold move turned out to be successful, since the little device is popular and has even been acknowledged for quality and durability, despite initial issues with scratching of the screens of iPod Nanos.

Changes With the iPod Nanos

At first, it was difficult to find some accessories for iPod Nanos because in order to allow for the smaller size of the items, Apple had to eliminate the remote connector found at the top of older models like the iPod minis, which most of the accessories at that time used. Now, things such as FM transmitters and remotes are being made that interface with the devices through the docking port. The inner workings of iPod Nanos are different from their predecessors, as well. The big change under the hood was the switch from a tiny hard drive to the use of flash memory to store the songs.

Because flash memory is generally about the size and thickness of a postage stamp, this immediately gave designers the leeway to shrink the iPod Nanos down to about the size that’s a little longer and more slender than a credit card. Despite the smaller size when compared to the iPod mini, Apple also managed to add a color screen that offers better resolution with the switch to the iPod Nano. It’s through simple changes in design without sacrificing function that made iPod Nanos a hit that both surprised consumers and allowed Apple to decisively remove its predecessor, the iPod mini, from the market.