iPod Nano Runs a Triple-Screen Desk Setup That Actually Delivers

Sixteen years after Apple discontinued production, a single 6th-generation iPod Nano currently stands in the center of a full workstation with three separate displays. The device, released in 2010 as the final iPod model Steve Jobs introduced, handles music playback, photo slideshows across every screen, and crystal-clear voice recordings all at once. A YouTube creator who runs the Will It Work? channel took on the challenge of stretching this tiny player into something far more capable.

He started by removing the built-in 30-pin connector and the touchscreen, which still works great after all these years. From there, it was simply a matter of converting this music player into a true multi-screen media center utilizing whatever parts were readily accessible. The entire operation is based on a 30-pin Apple keyboard dock that was originally designed for larger, more serious devices. He had to design a unique spacer to fit the iPod’s clip while yet leaving the audio jack accessible. The next stage was to connect composite video cables directly from the dock to three Sharp Aquos flat panels, which have been available since 2003. Those older monitors can be placed side by side without creating delay or without any additional software.

The audio is then split via a 3.5mm four-pole TRRS jack, with one path sending a signal to a desktop mic, which does a nice job of capturing voice memos that sound like they were recorded with a modern podcast setup. The other channel connects to a set of Apple Pro speakers that fill the room well. The powered stylus lets you glide across the iPod screen without leaving smudges. A double tap on the sleep button progresses to the next song. Tapping the arrow buttons moves you through the slideshow, while pressing pause stops both the music and the images dead in their tracks.

Even the clock works properly thanks to a simple Lightning adapter that simply connects to the dock’s USB port and syncs with the iPod without interfering with the audio or video streams. The entire operation runs smoothly and completes its objectives. Try the Voice Memos app, and the external microphone does a decent job of picking up your speech and playing it back clearly.
[Source]