 | Apple iPod nano 8 GB Graphite (6th Generation - current version) |
| List Price: | $129.00 |
| Price: | $114.00 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details |
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Average customer review:
(879 customer reviews)
Product Description
This sixth-generation iPod nano is now upgradeable to Apple's new nano 1.2 software. Simply connect to iTunes and upgrade, and you'll be able to access the newer features. These include the ability to navigate with large icons displayed one at a time, a choice of 18 different clock face designs, and the ability to track your steps, distance, pace, and time while exercising, without the need for a separate shoe sensor or receiver.Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #24 in Network Media Player
- Size: 8 GB
- Color: Graphite
- Brand: Apple
- Model: MC688LL/A
- Number of items: 1
- Dimensions: 1.00" h x 5.00" w x 5.00" l,
- CPU: PowerPC G4 2.1 GHz
- Memory: 2000000MB SDRAM
- Hard Disk: 60GB
- Processors: 1
- Display size: 1.5
Features
- 8 GB capacity for about 2,000 songs
- Up to 24 hours of audio playback on a single charge
- 1.54-inch (diagonal) color TFT display with 240-by-240-pixel resolution (220 pixels per inch)
- Support for AAC, Protected AAC (iTunes Store), MP3, MP3 VBR, Audible, Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAV audio formats
- One-year limited warranty
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Product Description
Redesigned for music and Multi-Touch, iPod nano is smaller and lighter than ever. You can clip it to your sleeve, jacket, or running shorts and keep your favorite songs at your fingertips-along with the Genius feature, a built-in FM radio, pedometer, and more. And the anodized aluminum finish in six bright colors makes this new design even more brilliant.
Upgradeable to nano 1.2 Software
This sixth-generation iPod nano is now upgradeable to Apple's new nano 1.2 software. Simply connect to iTunes and upgrade, and you'll be able to access the newer features. These include the ability to navigate with large icons displayed one at a time, a choice of 18 different clock face designs, and the ability to track your steps, distance, pace, and time while exercising, without the need for a separate shoe sensor or receiver.
The best things in life have a soundtrack, and that's where iPod nano shines. The Multi-Touch display lets you experience your music in a new way. Tap to play anything you want to hear. Swipe the Home screen to browse your music by songs, albums, artists, playlists, genres, or composers. You can even rearrange the icons on your Home screen so your music is organized just how you like.
Clip on some tunes.
With the new built-in clip, you can walk, run, ride, or dance with your favorite songs on your sleeve (or pocket, jacket, or bag). The album art of the song you're listening to fits perfectly on the display.
Play all day. And all night.
The built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery gives you up to 24 hours of nonstop music. So when you clip on an 8GB or 16GB iPod nano, you'll have plenty of tunes to make it through your commute, your workout, and beyond.
Shake it up.
Now for something completely random. Give iPod nano a shake and it shuffles to a different song in your music library. Shake to Shuffle is perfect for when you're not in any particular music mood. You never know what you're going to hear, and you'll always be pleasantly surprised.
Your own personal DJ.
Say you're listening to a song you love and you want to stay in the groove. Just tap Genius. It finds other songs on your iPod nano that go great together and makes a Genius playlist for you. For more song combinations you wouldn't have thought of yourself, create Genius Mixes in iTunes and sync the ones you like to your iPod nano. Then tap the Genius Mixes icon and rediscover songs you haven't heard in a while--or find music you forgot you even had.
Ride the airwaves on iPod nano. The FM tuner shows the artist, song, or program you're listening to. Just tap to see the radio controls, flick the radio dial to change stations, and tap to set your favorites.
Live Pause.
If you need to take a break from listening, don't miss a minute of radio time with Live Pause. Tap to pause a song or show, then tap again to continue where you left off. You can rewind as far back as 15 minutes or fast-forward to catch up to the live broadcast.
The new iPod nano design actually helps keep you fit. It's portable and wearable, which makes it runnable, walkable, and workout-able. Clip it on and control your music with just a tap or swipe of a finger, so you can stay focused without fumbling around. For your run, walk, or trip to the gym, a little iPod nano goes a long way.
Stay fit with every step.
iPod nano doubles as a pedometer, which makes it the ideal exercise partner. It keeps track of your steps and helps you meet your fitness goals. Just clip it on and walk on. You can create a daily step goal and check your progress when you upload all your data to the Nike+ website.
Rock your workout.
With the Nike + iPod Sport Kit (sold separately), iPod nano keeps you motivated from warm-up to cooldown on your run or in the gym. Lace up a pair of Nike+ running shoes and clip on your iPod nano. You'll watch the miles unfold and hear real-time voice feedback along with your favorite songs. In the gym, connect iPod nano to a Nike + iPod compatible cardio machine. It records your pace, time, and distance as you work out and rock out.
iTunes is the best way to fill your iPod nano with the latest music, podcasts, audiobooks, and more. It's also the best way to browse and organize the ever-expanding digital media collection on your Mac or PC. Everything you buy on the iTunes Store--and any music from CDs you import--appears in your iTunes library. You can make your own playlists, create Genius playlists, choose Genius Mixes, and sync it all to your iPod nano. And you can download iTunes free.
The world's #1 music store.
Load your iPod nano with your favorite tunes. Or browse over 13 million songs and discover even more. You can search by artist name, song, or album title and handpick exactly the songs you want. Want some help finding new music? The Genius sidebar recommends new music based on the songs you already love. When you find something that sparks your interest, listen to the free 30-second preview. Click once to buy the song and it starts downloading instantly. It's the fastest, easiest way to build a digital music collection for your iPod nano.
iPod nano comes with accessibility features that help people with disabilities enjoy music, audiobooks, and more.
VoiceOver
iPod nano features VoiceOver, the world's first gesture-based screen reader. Touch the screen to hear a description of the item under your finger, then double-tap, drag, or flick to control iPod nano. Use the optional Apple Earphones with Remote and Mic to control your music without looking at the screen. VoiceOver tells you the name of the song or artist--and it speaks 29 languages.
White on Black
If you prefer higher contrast, iPod nano lets you change the display to white on black. Use the White on Black feature in any application, as well as on the Home screen.
Mono Audio
If your hearing is limited in one ear, turn on Mono Audio to route audio into both earbuds so you can hear both channels in either ear.
Redesigned for music and Multi-Touch, iPod nano is smaller and lighter than ever. You can clip it to your sleeve, jacket, or running shorts and keep your favorite songs at your fingertips-along with the Genius feature, a built-in FM radio, pedometer, and more. And the anodized aluminum finish in six bright colors makes this new design even more brilliant.
Upgradeable to nano 1.2 Software
This sixth-generation iPod nano is now upgradeable to Apple's new nano 1.2 software. Simply connect to iTunes and upgrade, and you'll be able to access the newer features. These include the ability to navigate with large icons displayed one at a time, a choice of 18 different clock face designs, and the ability to track your steps, distance, pace, and time while exercising, without the need for a separate shoe sensor or receiver.
 Redesigned for music and Multi-Touch, iPod nano is smaller and lighter than ever. Click to enlarge. |
Music. Feel the beat.
Your greatest hits. And taps. And swipes.The best things in life have a soundtrack, and that's where iPod nano shines. The Multi-Touch display lets you experience your music in a new way. Tap to play anything you want to hear. Swipe the Home screen to browse your music by songs, albums, artists, playlists, genres, or composers. You can even rearrange the icons on your Home screen so your music is organized just how you like.
Clip on some tunes.
With the new built-in clip, you can walk, run, ride, or dance with your favorite songs on your sleeve (or pocket, jacket, or bag). The album art of the song you're listening to fits perfectly on the display.
Play all day. And all night.
The built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery gives you up to 24 hours of nonstop music. So when you clip on an 8GB or 16GB iPod nano, you'll have plenty of tunes to make it through your commute, your workout, and beyond.
Shake it up.
Now for something completely random. Give iPod nano a shake and it shuffles to a different song in your music library. Shake to Shuffle is perfect for when you're not in any particular music mood. You never know what you're going to hear, and you'll always be pleasantly surprised.
Genius. The music mixmaster.
 Built-in clip. |
 1.5-inch Multi-Touch color display with 240-by-240-pixel resolution. |
 8 and 16 GB models in new anodized aluminum colors: silver, graphite, blue, green, orange, pink. |
Say you're listening to a song you love and you want to stay in the groove. Just tap Genius. It finds other songs on your iPod nano that go great together and makes a Genius playlist for you. For more song combinations you wouldn't have thought of yourself, create Genius Mixes in iTunes and sync the ones you like to your iPod nano. Then tap the Genius Mixes icon and rediscover songs you haven't heard in a while--or find music you forgot you even had.
FM radio. Touch that dial.
Radio nano.Ride the airwaves on iPod nano. The FM tuner shows the artist, song, or program you're listening to. Just tap to see the radio controls, flick the radio dial to change stations, and tap to set your favorites.
Live Pause.
If you need to take a break from listening, don't miss a minute of radio time with Live Pause. Tap to pause a song or show, then tap again to continue where you left off. You can rewind as far back as 15 minutes or fast-forward to catch up to the live broadcast.
Fitness. Meet your new personal trainer.
Clip and go. And go. And go.The new iPod nano design actually helps keep you fit. It's portable and wearable, which makes it runnable, walkable, and workout-able. Clip it on and control your music with just a tap or swipe of a finger, so you can stay focused without fumbling around. For your run, walk, or trip to the gym, a little iPod nano goes a long way.
Stay fit with every step.
iPod nano doubles as a pedometer, which makes it the ideal exercise partner. It keeps track of your steps and helps you meet your fitness goals. Just clip it on and walk on. You can create a daily step goal and check your progress when you upload all your data to the Nike+ website.
Rock your workout.
With the Nike + iPod Sport Kit (sold separately), iPod nano keeps you motivated from warm-up to cooldown on your run or in the gym. Lace up a pair of Nike+ running shoes and clip on your iPod nano. You'll watch the miles unfold and hear real-time voice feedback along with your favorite songs. In the gym, connect iPod nano to a Nike + iPod compatible cardio machine. It records your pace, time, and distance as you work out and rock out.
iTunes. For your iPod-playing pleasure.
Everything you need to be entertained.iTunes is the best way to fill your iPod nano with the latest music, podcasts, audiobooks, and more. It's also the best way to browse and organize the ever-expanding digital media collection on your Mac or PC. Everything you buy on the iTunes Store--and any music from CDs you import--appears in your iTunes library. You can make your own playlists, create Genius playlists, choose Genius Mixes, and sync it all to your iPod nano. And you can download iTunes free.
The world's #1 music store.
Load your iPod nano with your favorite tunes. Or browse over 13 million songs and discover even more. You can search by artist name, song, or album title and handpick exactly the songs you want. Want some help finding new music? The Genius sidebar recommends new music based on the songs you already love. When you find something that sparks your interest, listen to the free 30-second preview. Click once to buy the song and it starts downloading instantly. It's the fastest, easiest way to build a digital music collection for your iPod nano.
Accessibility
Built-in accessibility.iPod nano comes with accessibility features that help people with disabilities enjoy music, audiobooks, and more.
VoiceOver
iPod nano features VoiceOver, the world's first gesture-based screen reader. Touch the screen to hear a description of the item under your finger, then double-tap, drag, or flick to control iPod nano. Use the optional Apple Earphones with Remote and Mic to control your music without looking at the screen. VoiceOver tells you the name of the song or artist--and it speaks 29 languages.
White on Black
If you prefer higher contrast, iPod nano lets you change the display to white on black. Use the White on Black feature in any application, as well as on the Home screen.
Mono Audio
If your hearing is limited in one ear, turn on Mono Audio to route audio into both earbuds so you can hear both channels in either ear.
What's in the Box
8GB iPod nano (Graphite), Apple Earphones, Dock Connector to USB Cable, Quick Start Guide and Important Product InformationCustomer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews2343 of 2398 people found the following review helpful.
Nano Gains Touch, Loses Video Playing & Recording By Steve H
The iPod Nano update on September 1, 2010 is arguably the most dramatic since the iPod Nano moniker was introduced by Apple five years ago.
Several colors are being offered in both 8 GB & 16 GB capacities.
More than an update, this is a new product that simply retains the iPod Nano name. It gains a significant feature, but loses several others.
The big deal is the touch interface on the newest iPod Nano. iPod Nano users will now be "touching," their music as iPod Touch and iPhone users have before them. The click wheel is gone. To find your music, you select a category from the Nano's menu such as "Playlists," or "Artists," and select from there. Less convenient or more convenient than a click wheel? Honestly, about equal. The screen is indeed small, but not unusable.
FM Radio has been retained as well as the Fitness aspects with the ability to use Nike + or simply the built in pedometer. However, the form factor will be a major benefit for those working out with the Nano. The previous Nano required an armband to keep it on you while working out, jogging, or the like. Not always comfortable, an additional expense, etc. However, with this new small, square form factor that need is gone. Now, we can simply "clip," the Nano onto us, with the built in clip, and run to our listening content. A bigger deal than you might think.
The downside? Features have been removed from Nano. The screen is much smaller than the previous generation. Therefore, playback of video content from iTunes is gone. Nano no longer plays video, which was a feature added three years ago. Secondly, last year, Nano added a small video camera to record low quality video, which could be played back on the Nano's screen or synced with iTunes and viewed on your computer. That feature is gone too. The device is too small now for a camera or to watch video. This new generation iPod Nano has many exciting new features, but buyers must be aware that it is no longer a video player. It is something new. Those wishing to play video on an iPod must choose an iPod Touch.
My opinion on this change? Honestly, did I ever watch video on the iPod Nano's screen? No. For me, while they kept trying to make the screen larger, it was simply too small to enjoy more than a once a year video. Likewise, the camera was simply not high enough quality to keep yourself entertained by using on a regular basis. It became a feature unused by many.
The iPod Nano has changed and gone back to being an exceptional music player. There is nothing here you do not need to enjoy music. However, the display and touch interface brings the 21st century "touch," that Apple has made so popular to a more affordable device. The touch function will be limited here to simply selecting songs or bringing up the clock, but nevertheless, touch has made its way to the Nano.
I'm most thankful that the Nano has indeed retained the DOCK CONNECTOR. The dock connector is key to use with iPod accessories such as docks, speaker docks, and built in car iPod connectors. The nano is so diminutive that if you plug it into the factory iPod kit of an automobile, the cable's dock connector will look nearly bigger than the Nano itself. Not a negative, just amusing. Nevertheless, the dock connector is there, and you will be able to use the device in such applications, and that was a significant decision by Apple. Users want and need the dock connector. It is there on this iPod Nano, but still missing from the Shuffle due to its even more diminutive size.
This 16 GB version is the largest size Apple offers in the Nano. It offers no additional functionality over the 8GB, but features twice the storage. Choose the one best for you. 16 GB is great if you have a large music collection. We should all remember though that with Nano no longer doing Video or Storing Pictures, the storage is exclusively for music. This makes 8 GB and 16 GB more appropriate size offerings as music takes up much less storage than video.
Overall, Apple has removed video (both playback and recording) from this iPod Nano. However, it's an equalling good music player. Navigation of music is now completed via touch, which works effectively despite the small screen. It's really hard to believe so much can fit into such a small device and I believe everyone will be a bit shocked when they open up the Nano the first time and see it's size yet primary function as an effective music player retained. The newest Nano brings a nearly Shuffle like size, but yet retains the functionality (touch, clip, dock connector) that serious music lovers and those who use the Nano while working out, demand.
1476 of 1582 people found the following review helpful.
LOOK! Up in the SKY! It's a BIRD! It's a PLANE! No, it's... SUPER SHUFFLE! By Your Role Model
But it's not a Nano. Once you get that, the rest is easy. It's also a bit of a mixed bag.
**Update** (10/11) Version 1.2 Software update released that includes an option for Large icons (but no large font in lists), improves the Fitness/Nike+ app (now can work w/out an add-on device), and includes more Clock faces and Wallpapers. Price is dropped by $20 (8 GB model), or $30 (16GB model).
However, the hardware appears devoid of significant changes- just new sourcing of the RAM and cpu. So, no true '7G Nano' for now... Apple apparently considers the Software Update and price drop to equate to a '6.5G Nano' refresh of sorts. Fair enough. ***
**Update** (02/11) Version 1.1 Software update released that
1) Finally allows users to turn the Nano COMPLETELY OFF by holding down the Wake/Sleep button. No more 'it only goes to sleep'.
2) Sets the Wake/Sleep button as a 'Next Song' button- double-click it to advance through your songs or radio station presets.
This change improves battery life slightly too- from AWFUL to merely poor (5-6 hrs) - as you're now less dependent on the power-gobbling touchscreen to advance songs.
Due to these changes, I'm upping my review rating to 3 stars (battery life & pricing remain issues). End Updates. ***
A lot of ppl are confused about the radical re-invention of the Nano, not realizing that the Nano is, essentially, dead. The Nano's mission was to be a compact player that still did some higher-end stuff such as video and picture-taking-- a nice portable 'media' player. No more.
The new Nano, aka Super Shuffle, is focused on a different task entirely, and much the same one as the regular Shuffle- the gym. To that end, Apple radically reduced the size and gave it an integrated clip on back a la the regular Shuffle. It is now 'wearable', and is the 'Shuffle with a screen' that some have wanted for a long time.
The downside is that others loved the 'true' Nano, and now they can't have one, unless they go running for the old 5th gen models before they're gone. Some will wonder why this was an 'either/or' thing for Apple, i.e. couldn't the Super Shuffle and 'true Nano' have existed side-by-side?
Still others might say the Super Shuffle is inadequate even for the gym. "I don't want to look at a SCREEN to switch songs or change the volume. Lame!", they'll say.
But to be fair, you usually don't HAVE to look at the screen, because
- The Super Shuffle has physical volume buttons. They're small, but still easy to use. And as of the 1.1 Software Update, you can double-click the Wake/Sleep button to advance songs/stations- a MUCH needed improvement.
- It has the 'Shake To Shuffle' feature- literally shake it to shuffle to next song. But as implemented, STS is inconvenient to use- see notes @end of review.
- It supports VoiceOver. But to use *all* VO features requires the Apple Earphones With Remote & Mic, which are NOT included (Apple either wants another $30, or still hasn't solved the sweat/moisture issues those 'phones have had in the past).
So, some caveats aside, the 6G Nano/SS now works fine in its role as a 'gym' Shuffle with a screen.
Features-wise, it does photo-viewing (but not taking), audiobooks, podcasts (minus any video), voice memos (w/the optional 'phones w/Remote & Mic), is a pedometer, and does FM radio besides. And radio stations do sound surprisingly clear in any halfway decent reception area. Even low-power college stations usually come in clean- a big plus, since they usually have more innovative music programming than commercial FM.
It also retains the 30-pin dock connector, so you have access to the universe of iPod accessories (for a few examples, see 'iPod Nano 6G Docking Options' on YouTube). This is all well and good.
So MY BEEF with the Super Shuffle (aside from the battery life) isn't that it killed the 'true' Nano -enough demand = they'll bring it back- but rather, the level of 'milking it' Apple's gone with here. While I own/use one, it just isn't worth an additional $100 MORE than a regular Shuffle.
They do much the same thing, after all- the features it adds to the Shuffle are fairly minor (for example, ever try to get consistent FM reception inside a large concrete building, aka your typical gym? Best be at the window).
Sure, you get the touchscreen, which is sharp/clear, fun to use, and almost eerily resistant to smudges/fingerprints (nice). But said screen is also *really* small - going larger would've made it less 'wearable' - which compromises text readability/ease-of-use. And it scarfs WAY too much battery juice (see notes @end of review).
You do get 6GB more storage than the Shuffle (though that cost Apple < $10 to put in there). But a 'gym' Shuffle doesn't really need to hold 2,000 songs (4,000 if you opt for the 16GB), nor does the tiny screen lend itself well to navving through all that. The capacity and price points are Nano legacies, but as we know, this ain't a Nano.
All in all, the advantages don't add up to the price charged/value provided. You can buy 2-3 regular Shuffles for the same money.
A 4GB model for $99 would've made more sense. Hitting that price point next time out would be great, as that's about what a 'Super Shuffle' is really worth. Sure, a Shuffle with a screen is COOL- just not cool enough to justify the $150 (as I found out).
I do want to dig ya Super Shuffle, but the pricing/value-for-money is your Kryptonite. =[ Also, as mentioned, battery life is poor (see below) and there's a few minor bugs/interface issues (also see below).
To be fair, with the 1.1 Software Update finally making song-advancement easy, and the recent price drop, Apple HAS been working on the Nano's weaknesses. But some things won't improve much 'til the hardware gets changed- namely, it desperately needs more battery. And while the recent price drop is good, you'd need to drop another $30 before it'd be priced in line for what it is. With those changes, the Super Shuffle/Nano would be an out-of-the-ballpark home run.
But Apple wanted it supermodel-thin, and the profit margins fat. The result is something pretty, expensive, and high-maintenance.
_________________
Note #1 (Colors): Be aware that the casing colors are more muted than they appear in the pics. For example, the blue Nano is a smoky, very pale blue in person. The exception is the Product Red model (only in Apple Stores): it's a VERY vivid red in real life. But the other, more subtle colors aren't bad, and are arguably more 'grown up'.
Note #2 (Battery Life): This is VERY dependent on how much you use the touchscreen. Playing around with it lots- which is exactly what you'll do when you first get one- just KILLS the batt juice. No way around it: the touchscreen, while fun, is a HUGE BATTERY HOG. =[
The screen sleep behavior aggravates the problem, by keeping the screen lit for far too long after a touch. This is NOT changeable in Settings either.
Thus I HIGHLY RECOMMEND putting the screen to sleep MANUALLY via the Wake/Sleep button EVERY time you're done touchscreening- don't let the screen turn itself off, it's VERY SLOW to do so. Your battery life will thank you.
Also, Apple's claimed 'UP TO 24 hours of battery life' appears to refer to just playing music, with no screen usage. This is NOT realistic, since you do have to use the screen at times. Be especially careful with the touchscreen radio tuner- taking too much time looking for that 'perfect' station = pure battery kryptonite. (Tip: Set up your radio presets. Turn off Live Pause too, some ppl report battery issues w/it).
Even being careful, you'll avg around 5-6 hrs of battery life, real-world. Be aware that the Battery Life icon is VERY schizo- 1st usage after a charge may read as taking NO battery, while a similar but later use can read as taking HALF the battery. You'll be recharging frequently regardless. Reducing Screen Brightness may help slightly.
Note #3 (Bugs, Interface issues): i.e. 'Things I hope Apple fixes in future Software Updates'.
- In low-but-usable radio signal areas, you'll often get erroneous 'No Radio Signal- Please plug in headphones' messages. I get these WITH my 'phones plugged in, listening to stations that are coming in a bit quietly but otherwise just fine.
- When using the Wake/Sleep button to advance songs, the volume will sometimes jump up to much louder for a second. This may be a weird interaction with Volume Limit, which I use.
- If you set the text to 'White on Black' in Accessibility (which improves contrast/readability/looks cool), all icons & wallpapers get turned into strange photo negatives of themselves. Whaa? If this is an OS limitation, then Apple should at least provide some 'negative' wallpapers/icons that look good with the feature turned on.
- The Battery Life icon and Time really should be visible on ALL screens (such as 'Now Playing'). Having to nav back or 'hold down to jump to Home screen' is annoying/slow & wastes battery.
- As mentioned, the backlight should dim & turn off more quickly, to save power.
- 'Shake To Shuffle' needs rethinking. It's iffy 'til you figure out the technique- 2 short, FAST shakes in any direction, *with the screen ON* (1 can work, but the % is lower). But since STS only works with the screen on (Apple fears accidental triggerings), it's inconvenient to use, as you have to hit the button, THEN shake.
- Overall though, Apple deserves props & thanks for the 1.1 and 1.2 Software Updates. Hopefully there's a 1.3 eventually, w/better power-saving.
Note #4 (Protecting Your Hearing): Volume Limit in Settings is your friend. Correct procedure: Set your max volume limit w/it while in a QUIET room. At the gym, noisy treadmills/equipment can easily make you crank your volume to the point of causing permanent hearing damage, given enough exposure time. Volume Limit is a hearing-saver. Use it.
330 of 361 people found the following review helpful.
Nano is part of Apple's new plan ... By Bob Penn
With the announcement of the new Apple TV, and now the release of the drastically revised iPod Nano, it would appear that Apple is in the process of re-evaluating its product line and re-tooling the entries to match what it perceives to be the needs of the consumer.
With the Apple TV, they have correctly, I believe, simplified the complexity of the original offering, removed any notion of storage, which tended to confuse the average user, and prepared it for an app driven iOS future. They claimed these changes resulted from a close look at the usage of the current Apple TV, and that they made the changes they felt were needed to more closely match what was desired.
The Nano, I believe, follows the same path.
I have an iPhone and and the new Nano. I also have the previous generation Nano. I tend to agree with Apple: I never the older Nano once to watch a video. I never used the contacts, the calendar, nor did I play a game on the Nano. I bought it for jogging, I only used it for jogging.
All those things removed from the new Nano I currently do on my iPhone. These removed features were worthless to me and will not be missed.
But the Nano did do exactly what I wanted it to do: become smaller, and be easier to use. Though I am getting used to a virtual pause button vs. a physical button on the older model, I find the new Nano to sound a little better and is less intrusive during running.
Apple has apparently moved away from the "same feature set, different design" view and has moved to "what's best for the intended useage?" model. They now have a mature line of music players, each with a clear and intended purpose.
The Classic is for those who wish to carry their entire music collection with them.
The Touch is the top of the line universal player and application machine. Not intended for exercise, but rather for those who don't have an iPhone but want its best features.
The iPhone, a Touch with a phone built in. Same positioning as the Touch, but replaces your phone if you are in the market for a phone.
The Shuffle: the low cost entry point into the Apple ecosystem. Probably the only way Apple could offer any product under $100. With its small storage, and lack of screen, it appears to be essentially a gateway device for some to enter the Apple world.
And finally the Nano. Not the universal player anymore. Not the smaller iPod Classic, like its predecessors were. The Nano seems to be targeted to the highly mobile exercise crowd. The Nano is really only good for playing music, which, along with the Shuffle, make it the only "pure" iPod left. If you want a music player, and you want more than 2GB or storage, but you don't need apps or video or games because all you want to do is listen to music, than the Nano seems ideal. It fails when we try to make it something is clearly not intended to be. And for those who grieve at the loss of the features, I am sure Apple's answer is that "you really want a Touch." They're right, too. The days of the Nano needing to be a stripped down Touch or Classic vanished the day the Touch was released.
So, though not perfect, I think the design and intended use of the Nano fits in nicely into the Apple music player offerings.
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