Apple iPod nano 6th Generation Graphite (8 GB)

The tiny size and weight of the 6th generation iPod nano are impressive improvements. In almost every other way, though, the 6th generation nano is a step back.
Exercisers will probably want to stay away entirely due to its poor usability.
For average users, if you’re considering buying the new nano, I strongly recommend spending some time with it in a store to see if you can work with its quirks.
When it was introduced, Steve Jobs presented the 6th generation nano as an attempt to shrink the nano while retaining a useful screen size. Apple’s certainly shrunk it – it’s closer to the size of the iPod Shuffle than to its predecessors – but usability is a real concern.

This version of the nano weighs in at just 0.74 ounces and is only 1.48 inches wide. As a result, it’s ultra-portable and doesn’t add any noticeable weight to the average user.

Apple touted its small size and large clip on the back as removing the need for a case and making the nano perfect for clipping to clothes. This may be true for some users, but for exercisers it’s not the case.

Despite its small size and weight, the 6th generation nano is a little too big and a little too heavy to be clipped to most parts of a shirt when exercising. It simply bounces around too much to be comfortable when clipped to a sleeve or, in some uses, to the bottom of a shirt, though when clipped around the neck of a shirt, it’s acceptable.

This poses a particular problem: how to control the nano. Unlike previous models, which used a physical clickwheel, this model relies on a touchscreen with multitouch support for control. This means that to change songs, move from music to podcast, or tune the included FM radio, you need to look at the nano’s screen.

Being forced to look at the screen may be ok when using the nano in day-to-day life, but for exercisers it’s a major, and unnecessary, distraction.

This interface is simply not as effective or usable as the clickwheel that previous models offered.

Missing Features

In addition to removing the clickwheel, the 6th generation nano also removes the video features that have been available on the nano since the 3rd generation model.

The new nano lacks both the ability to play video (which probably makes sense, given that the new model sports just a 1.54-inch screen) as well as the video camera that the 5th generation nano offered.

While neither of these features were likely major attractions of the nano, it’s odd to see more features removed from the new model.

Like previous models, this version of the nano can be controlled via a remote control integrated on headphone cords. Apple offers a headphone with remote on the iPhone or as a separate purchase. Given that the headphone/remote combination removes the need to look at the screen to control the nano, Apple ought to include those headphones with the nano.
The Bottom Line

The 6th generation iPod nano is an odd beast. It’s smaller and lighter – usually benefits – but to get there, it removes useful features and makes the device harder to use.

In this way, it calls to mind the 3rd-generation iPod Shuffle, which removed buttons from the face of the device and forced users to control it via a remote on the headphones. We should applaud Apple’s attempts to innovate in the iPod’s user interface, but this is another failed interface change.

Take a hard look at the 6th generation iPod nano before you buy it.

I got this for my partner as she wanted a small IPod and not the touch, Personally, I don't really get it, the screen is so small but with such high resolution that it appears to be capable of playing tiny games or watching mini movies, yet it doesn't, it has a radio that connects via the earphone, which is as bad as it sounds, signal drops everywhere, The layout is nice, a Little on the complex side for something that in essence just plays your music and nothing more, You have albums, and sub-menu's for those albums, various types of folders for certain types of music, a settings menu that is rather detailed for just an mp3 player, a picture viewer for tiny eye strain vision which is baffling to use and nothing more than a fun novelty for a little while, Everything good about it is made redundant by the fact that it's only so expensive because of the apple logo. the build quality is pretty good and it feels sturdy. All in all it's good but too pricey and is just okay, nothing new.

It plays music which is what I bought it for. but it also has a radio, which only works when the ear phones are connected but it works well. You can even keep your favourite stations.
One feature that was not mentioned but I found out by accident is the voice notes. I connected up a headset with a built in mike and got a new icon on the screen which turned out to be voice notes. so it is possible to make notes which can then be transferred later using Itunes.
The pedometer works really well. Keeping track of steps per day,week, month and total.
Overall. a well designed piece of kit and well put togeather . I have had this for about a month now and it is NEVER out of my possession i have it with me logged steps or listening to music or both !
I love it. good gadget.

I love this ipod!!!. i used to have a ipod nano 4th generation but it was too big and the bit where the earphone plugged in got ruined as a result of constant use. I looked for ages for a smaller alturnative but didnt like any of the shuffles because i liked the scrowling to find the song/album i wanted to listen to. Then i saw the advert for the ipod nano 6th gen and to be honest i fell inlove :P i looked it up on the internet and was gutted to see the price so high. Ebay was my only option of getting a half decent one that would be so expensive. I bidded on a few second hand ones and lost, i wasnt going to pay more than £70 for a second hand one, after a while of searching i came accross a brand new one buy now for £80, chuffed to bits i bought it without hesitation and havent looked back once. almost immediately i bought a sylicone case and protection screen to ensure my new investment doesnt get damadged by my clumsy self. i love how small it is and i love the fact i can scroll through songs with a flick of my thumb :) especialy i love that i can clip it to my coat or cardigan saving it from pocket damadge, i was amazed that it could turn into a watch, and a pedomitor!!!. This nano is my pride and joy, i saved up for it as my treat for passing my driving test :)

one of the best and handy gadgets ive had for a long time. Easy to use and navigate, exceptionally compact and wih the added radio app makes it a dream. apple products have always been a cut above the rest and the new nano goes forward without compromise. all the benefits of a ipod touch at the size of a watch face, genius.