Apparently there are 2 different generations of the iPod Nano.

The first generation was available in either 1, 2 , or 4Gb versions. It appears that this version is no longer in production, but refurbished units can still be purchased from the Apple store.

The second generation is available in 2, 4, and 8Gb versions, and sports a colored aluminum case. These appear to be the only models in wide circulation at the the present time.

Looking at the specs for both, it appears the second generation unit require iTunes version 7, and Windows XP, while the first generation supports older versions of iTunes, and will work with Windows 2000.

Can anyone comment on any significant differences between the two versions?

Also, is anyone successfully using the second generation iPod Nano unit with an earlier version of iTunes (i.e. iTunes 6 or earlier) ?

Edit: Apparently WIN2K SP4 is supported... my bad!

Apparently there are 2 different generations of the iPod Nano.

The first generation was available in either 1, 2 , or 4Gb versions. It appears that this version is no longer in production, but refurbished units can still be purchased from the Apple store.

The second generation is available in 2, 4, and 8Gb versions, and sports a colored aluminum case. These appear to be the only models in wide circulation at the the present time.

Looking at the specs for both, it appears the second generation unit require iTunes version 7, and Windows XP, while the first generation supports older versions of iTunes, and will work with Windows 2000.

Can anyone comment on any significant differences between the two versions?

Also, is anyone successfully using the second generation iPod Nano unit with an earlier version of iTunes (i.e. iTunes 6 or earlier) ?

Edit: Apparently WIN2K SP4 is supported... my bad!I have two of the second generation Nano's and they are superior to the first version for two reasons. First the screen is quite a bit better. Second the aluminum case is stronger and should better protect the Nano. I had two Mini's and really liked the aluminum case on them. When the new ones came out I bought one for my wife. While playing with it I noticed how great the screen looked and went and bought one for myself.

The newer software has advantages and disadvantages. I'm unaware that the newer version won't run on anything but XP, but maybe that's the case (I'm using XP). While there is more junk in the newer version, you can turn lots of it off, it does now download LP cover artwork and shows on the screen and on your PC when playing songs. I've bought into the whole iPod and iTunes program so no major complaints from me. Is it perfect? No. Does it work very well? Yes.

Thanks for the comments...

Any perceived differences in sound quality?

I think I'm going to end up getting the newer G2 Nano for my son, but I am still considering a refurbished G1 Nano for myself.

Any perceived differences in sound quality?The newer model has better headphones so there is a slight improvement in sound quality, mostly bass. I use Sony headphones on mine but my wife says the newer version headphones don't stay in her ears as well when jogging.

just spent 6.5 hours messing with the itunes software dialup is a bitch !!!!!!!!! 2nd gen 4gb nano :>) looking forward to hooking it up to my t-amp, boston acoustics a40 setup giving it a twist or my little dot 2 ++ plus that is on it's way from hong kong