iPod Nano 3rd Generation Teardown

Add NoteIntroduction

We disassembled this iPod on September 7, 2007.

Teardown Warning

Teardown

Teardowns provide a look inside a device and should not be used as disassembly instructions.

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Add NoteStep 1 — Teardown 

  • There it is, in the same style box as the last Nano, but quite a bit shorter and wider.

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Add NoteStep 2

  • Here's what you'll find in the box:

    • A manual (even smaller than the iPod).

    • The usual, much-maligned headphones.

    • A USB to iPod cable.

    • A dock insert.

    • A brand new iPod.

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Add NoteStep 3

  • The growing iPod Nano family.

  • Although the new Nano is shorter and wider than its older siblings, it has approximately the same area (36 square centimeters).

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Add NoteStep 4

  • Apple appears to be going in circles. Anodized aluminum, shiny, anodized, shiny...

  • But of course, it's what's inside that counts.

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Add NoteStep 5

  • And here's our first look inside this newest Nano.

  • The case has eight locking tabs:

    • Three on the left, evenly spaced.

    • Three on top.

    • Two on the right, near the bottom, to make room for the display circuitry at the upper right.

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Add NoteStep 6

  • We've removed six Phillips screws fixing the logic board to the casing.

  • We can now lift the logic board up, but it's still tethered by the visible click wheel cable and the hidden display cable.

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Add NoteStep 7

  • We've disconnected the click wheel cable and flipped the board over to disconnect the display cable.

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Add NoteStep 8

  • Now we use a spudger to pry up the display, which is held along the case's edge by an adhesive strip.

  • The first generation Nano's display was attached in exactly the same way. If you're not careful when prying it up, you may crack it.

Notes

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