October 30, 2009 11:04 AM PDT

How to set up an iPod Nano

by Donald Bell
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In recent statements, Apple reports 50 percent of new iPod sales are going to customers who are buying their very first iPod. That means millions of people are setting up an iPod for the first time. Personally, I'm a little scared for them.

The iPod celebrates its 8th birthday this month, and it has come a long way. What started out purely as a digital music player has evolved into a video-recording, movie-renting, fitness-tracking, do-everything device. For first-time users, I can imagine the experience of setting up a new iPod is as overwhelming as it is exciting.

To help make the most of your new iPod, I'm putting together a series of How-To guides for setting up each of the current iPod models (Nano, Touch, Shuffle, and Classic). I'm kicking things off with the iPod Nano--a deceptively simple-looking, candy-colored device loaded with more new features than any other iPod this season.

The video version of my iPod Nano setup guide is available for download from CNET TV, and an accompanying slideshow can be found below. If you have any other tips for first-time iPod Nano owners, feel free to share them in the comments section below.

The following product mentioned is available.

On Sale Now: $133.98 - $149.99
View the latest prices for Apple iPod Nano (fifth generation, 8GB, green)

Donald Bell is CNET Reviews' senior editor for MP3 players and portable audio, and one half of the MP3 Insider blog and weekly podcast. He also likes getting his hands dirty with digital audio tools for musicians and DJs.
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by moneyrules November 2, 2009 2:05 PM PST
Ipod nano is gym frienly but the touch is the best
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by AppleSuxLeo November 3, 2009 2:55 AM PST
People still use those ? My car is the iPod...just plug thumb-drive in. No iPod needed.
VOICE controlled too. iPod so quaint.
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by szemiferi November 8, 2009 6:48 AM PST
Thanks for the how-to
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by longdistancemoving November 10, 2009 9:27 AM PST
I'm astonished by how those iPods are popular in America. There are LOADS of alternatives which are way cheeper and better and of higher music quality than these bitten apples. <a href="http://www.usamovingcompanies.com/longdistancemovingcompanies/">long distance moving companies</a> - <a href="http://www.bestmovingcompaniesreviews.com">moving companies</a>
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by itchycows December 31, 2009 2:17 PM PST
i have an ipod nano and i took a couple of videos and i can't download them onto my itunes. how can i download them into my computer off my ipod?
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About MP3 Insider

MP3 Insider is a blog and weekly podcast created by CNET's MP3 technology experts, Donald Bell and Jasmine France. Each week, Jasmine and Donald discuss the latest digital music (and video) news, hardware, software, and media services, and address reader calls and e-mail. Send us e-mail at mp3insider@cnet.com or call us at 1-800-720-CNET (2638) and be a part of the show.

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Donald Bell Donald Bell is an electronic musician, a veteran record store employee, and a fearless hardware hacker. He's also CNET's Senior Editor for MP3 and digital audio.
Jasmine France Jasmine France is CNET's resident digital audio doyenne, writing and editing product reviews, crave blogs, and feature stories on all things MP3. And if you need advice on headphones, she's your girl.
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