iPod Nano 6th Generation Review

Of all the range introduced by Steve Jobs on September 1st 2010 the iPod Nano has had the biggest change to its design. Most noticeable the camera of the previous generation has been removed! This is somewhat a disappointment to 5th Gen fans but Apple claim the screen was too small to enjoy video on and so removed it keeping the main purpose of the nano as the best MP3 player on the market. However the 240x240 pixel resolution screen is perfect for viewing album artwork and you are still able to store and view photos. The click wheel of previous models has been removed and the whole thing has been shrunk to just the size of the screen which is now multi-touch! It is roughly half an inch square and comes in seven vibrant colours. This change in size has made it suitable to have a clip added to the back making it look more like a shuffle.

The new Nano operates like other iOS devices such as the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. It uses the same icons bunched in 4's spread across its multiple home screens but unlike these other devices it has no home button. It's new multi-touch screen means its as simple as swipe to choose a song and tap to play and the screen can even be rotated to different orientations. This is very handy if you have clipped it to your bag strap and need to look at it upside down.

As well as storing your music on the 8GB or 16GB models the nano comes with a built in FM radio so if you fancy a change it is easy to tune into your favourite radio station.

The new iPod nano is a perfect partner for working out with as it has a built in pedometer and Nike+ compatability which will store all your workout data ready for you to upload to nikeplus.com next time you connect to your computer.

Nike+ is an app built into the iPod Nano to help you track your running schedule. To use it though you will need to buy a Nike+ sensor that you place inside your shoe. It will track you distances, pace, time and calories burnt whilst on your run. When you have finished your run you then connect your iPod to iTunes and sync as usual, the Nike+ data will automatically be uploaded to Nike+ online. Nike+ online lets you set goals, accept challenges and communicate with other Nike+ members. You can set goals such as to run 10 times in the next 4 weeks and a personal training regime will help you to achieve this. You can also create or join challenges made by other Nike+ members if you need a competitive edge to keep you going. You can set up your usual running routes through Nike+ online or see the running routes from other people all over the world.

Apple MA368LL/C Nike+ iPod Sensor

When recording your running data you are able to enter in details such as weather conditions or terrain so that it is easier when you look back to compare past runs. Of course Nike+ with an iPod also has the added bonus of being able to listen to your favourite music whilst you run and if you feel you have lost your energy with the press of a button you can load your pre selected power song to give you the boost you need.

Height: 37.5 mm
Width: 40.9mm
Depth: 8.78mm
Weight: 21.1g
Capacity: 8GB or 16GB
Screen Resolution: 240x240 pixel resolution
Colours: Silver, Graphite, Blue, Green, Orange, Pink and Red
Battery Life: 24 hours of music playback

Going by the response I have had to this lens I would probably say that the iPod Nano has got to be the most popular item in the newly launched range. It would seem to me that the iPhone is covering both the phone and multifunction media player market quite nicely and the only people who would want to buy the latest touch are those who do not want or cannot afford the phone contract. The Nano is proving to be a very popular dedicated music player despite the initial gripes about the video camera being removed. I would love to know what you think now that the new models have been out a few weeks.