How to Use an iPod Nano 3rd Generation

The iPod Nano 3rd Generation is the third incarnation of Apple's iPod Nano family. Designed for both music and movies, the Nano 3rd Generation featured the largest screen yet on an iPod--2 inches--and the scroll wheel was smaller than on other models to allow room for the larger screen. Introduced in September 2007, the Nano 3rd Generation has a capacity of 4GB or 8GB, which can hold approximately 800 or 1600 songs, respectively.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with iTunes installed Sync Cable Music (either on CD or downloaded from an online retailer)

1. 
    
   You'll need a syncing cable.

   Connect your iPod Nano to your computer with the USB syncing cable, which will launch iTunes. If iTunes isn't installed, use the enclosed CD, or download it from Apple. Follow the prompts to name it, and configure your syncing preferences.

2. 
    
   Restore to factory settings.

   Pair your iPod with your computer. If the iPod is brand new, then it's a plug-and-play process. If your iPod has already been paired with a different computer, then you have the option of reformatting it (which resets it to factory defaults and erases all the music, videos, pictures and other data on it) to pair it with your current computer.

3. 
    
   Your playlists.

   Configure your iPod to sync your music library either automatically or manually. If the size of your music library is smaller than the capacity of the iPod, then automatic syncing is the best bet. If you have a large music library, or you want more control over what goes on your iPod, then configure your music to sync manually.

4. 
    
   Selecting a group of songs.

   When the iPod is connected to your computer, open iTunes and load the music on your iPod. You can highlight a group of songs and drag them on to your iPod in the left-hand column of the iTunes window, or you can drag and drop your playlists, which are also located in the left-hand column of the iTunes window, onto the iPod icon.

5. 
    
   A fancy skin on the iPod.

   Learn how to manipulate the scroll wheel on the iPod. The menu button (12 o'clock on the wheel) will take you back one screen. The play/pause button (6 o'clock) will play the music when pressed, and then pause it when pressed again. The forward (3 o'clock) and backward (9 o'clock) buttons will advance and rewind one song, respectively. Think of the center button as an "enter" or "OK" button.

6. Load any videos onto your Nano using the same method as loading music. To play videos on your iPod, select Movies on the main screen. The scroll wheel functions are the same when in the Movies mode.

7. 
    
   The iPod is part of today's youth culture.

   Navigate to other important menus on the iPod by selecting Music, and choose to play music by playlist, album, artist, or shuffle, which selects songs at random.

Tips & Warnings

• Always buy a protective case for your iPod Nano. Be polite---always remove your ear buds when talking to others.
• Listening too loudly is bad for your ears! Always pay attention when you listen to your iPod while exercising outdoors.

Resources

• Apple: iPod + iTunes