Apple iPod nano

*Est. $150 for 8 GB
Reviewed
October 2010
Apple iPod nano

Pros
  • Small and lightweight
  • Integrated clip
  • 8 GB or 16 GB options
Cons
  • Price
  • Limited features
  • Too similar to the iPod shuffle
  • Many say touch screen is hard to use

The new sixth-generation iPod nano debuted to mostly lackluster reviews from professional reviewers and users. In stark contrast to the fifth-generation version, which earned rave reviews, the latest iPod nano is a tiny 1.5-inch square that looks a lot like the iPod shuffle (*Est. $50 for 2 GB). Instead of a physical clickwheel, the nano has a small touch screen for navigation. Most reviewers say the sixth-generation iPod nano is not a very good deal because it has fewer features for the same price -- there's no camera and the nano can no longer play video clips. Some users love the small size and integrated clip for running or the gym, but others complain that they could have bought an iPod shuffle and saved a lot of money. The touch screen is responsive, according to some, but many reviewers find it hard to navigate and miss the clickwheel. Overall, experts say the new nano is not an improvement over the previous generation. In addition to the 8 GB model, the nano is also available in a 16 GB (*Est. $180) capacity. If you want a lightweight MP3 player, reviewers say the iPod shuffle or the SanDisk Sansa Clip+ (*Est. $35 for 2 GB) are better values.

Numerous technology sites review the latest iPod nano, but the most detailed information comes from iLounge.com. This iPod enthusiast site publishes detailed reviews that cover every aspect of using an iPod. Excellent reviews are also available at PCMag.com, CNET, ArsTechnica.com, Macworld and Engadget.com. Amazon.com is a good spot for user reviews.

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Apple iPod shuffle 2 GB Pink (4th Generation) NEWEST MODEL
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Apple iPod nano 16 GB Silver (6th Generation) NEWEST MODEL
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Where To Buy
Apple iPod nano 8 GB Graphite (6th Generation - current version)

 (1,291 reviews)
Buy new: $129.00 $118.00   112 Used & new from $78.98

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Apple StoreApple Store rated 3.02 (56 reviews)56 store reviewsIn Stock. Free personalized engraving plus free shipping.$129.00
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eBayeBay rated 3.87 (1231 reviews)1,231 store reviewsIn Stock. Earn 2% eBay Bucks on qualifying purchases! Backed by eBay Buyer Protection Program. Terms and Conditions apply.$127.99
 

Our Sources

1. iLounge.com

iLounge.com gives the new iPod nano a limited recommendation in this detailed review. Jeremy Horwitz says it is "hard to take seriously as a sequel" because it lacks so many features found on the previous generation.

Review: Apple iPod nano (Sixth-Generation), Jeremy Horwitz, Sept. 10, 2010

2. PCMag.com

The sixth-generation iPod nano earns a fair rating from PCMag.com. Tim Gideon calls it a "rare misstep from Apple" and "a flawed concept." The touch screen is responsive and easy to use, but Gideon says the price is too high.

Review: Apple iPod nano (6th Gen. with Touch Screen), Tim Gideon, Sept. 7, 2010

3. CNET

Like many reviewers, Donald Bell at CNET is impressed with the nano's small size. However, he says it "comes at the expense of valuable features and practical controls." He also says the display is crisp and the touch screen is easy to control.

Review: Apple iPod nano 2010 (8GB, orange), Donald Bell, Sept. 7, 2010

4. Arstechnica.com

ArsTechnica.com doesn't rate the iPod nano, but Jacqui Cheng has a lengthy and detailed review. Like most reviewers, Cheng says the nano is easily mistaken for the iPod shuffle. She also says it is "an okay little device," which isn't a very strong recommendation.

Review: Ars Reviews the 6th-Generation iPod nano: All Screen, All the Time, Jacqui Cheng

5. Macworld

Macworld gives the sixth-generation iPod nano an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5. Although the small size is welcome, Dan Frakes says the nano is "less usable than it could be" because of the touch-screen interface.

Review: iPod nano (Sixth Generation, Late 2010), Dan Frakes, Sept. 7, 2010

6. Engadget.com

Engadget.com gives the iPod nano a higher rating than most reviewers. Joshua Topolsky calls it a "smart, fast, capable player" thanks to its lightweight design and streamlined interface. However, he thinks it should cost less.

Review: iPod nano Review (2010), Joshua Topolsky, Sept. 7, 2010

7. Laptop Magazine

The iPod nano earns a 4-star rating (out of 5) from Laptop Magazine. Dana Wollman says the touch screen is easy to use and the lightweight design makes it perfect for situations where portability is a concern. However, the shuffle might be a better choice for some users.

Review: iPod nano (2010), Dana Wollman, Sept. 6, 2010

8. Audio/Video Revolution

Mike Flacy at Audio/Video Revolution says the new iPod nano is a good choice for those who want a little more functionality than the iPod shuffle provides. He particularly likes the nano for running and working out. However, he recommends purchasing a pair of quality earbuds.

Review: Apple iPod Nano Review (2010), Mike Flacy, Sept. 9, 2010

9. PC Pro

Barry Collins says he is "far from convinced" that a touch screen is a good idea on the iPod nano, especially because it can be tedious to scroll through your playlist. Even so, the nano is solidly built and the display looks good, he says.

Review: iPod nano (Sixth Generation) Review: First Look, Barry Collins, Sept. 2, 2010

10. About.com

Sam Costello, the iPod guide at About.com, gives the latest nano a 2-star rating (out of 5). Although he's impressed that Apple was able to make the nano so tiny, he says the touch display is a "usability nightmare." (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

Review: 6th Generation Apple iPod nano Review, Sam Costello

11. Amazon.com

The sixth-generation iPod nano earns lower ratings than its predecessor at Amazon.com. More than 100 users comment on the nano, resulting in an overall rating of 3.5 stars. Some users say they love it for the gym, but others say the nano is too similar to the less expensive iPod shuffle.

Review: Apple iPod nano 16 GB Graphite (6th Generation), Contributors to Amazon.com

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