Smaller nano, or better shuffle?

I’ve heard a lot of mixed responses to the new iPod nano. Whether you love it or hate it, everyone has noticed it. Myself, I think this is what I’ve wanted in an iPod ever since I got a touch, and now my iPhone. Aside from the classic, all the iPods have been moving away from being just a music player. The touch has its games and apps and even the nano was branching out with its camera. I think this is a fantastic return to the original idea of the iPod as the most convenient way to carry your music.

The new even smaller form factor is fantastic with the added clip. This new model can be used for running or working out without the need for an armband. Granted you could always use a shuffle in the same way. With the touch screen addition though, I now have more options if I want to change my music mid workout. I especially like that the genius functionality is supported so I can create excellent mixes on the fly.

Really, if you think of this as an “update” to the previous iPod nano then you will probably be disappointed. There are in fact fewer features, though the pedometer and FM receiver are still there, and it feels like less of a gadget and more like a cheap accessory. But if you think of it as a shuffle that has grown up and earned a nice touch screen display and a lot of the functionality of it’s bigger cousins, this is the best iPod ever.