Name:
iPod nano (sixth generation)
What it is:
A multitouch 8GB iPod nano with a built-in clip for attaching it to a waistband, a pocket, a shirt sleeve, a watchband (available from several companies, including Griffin Technology and iWatchz) or other clip-on spot. Unlike previous nanos with a scroll wheel, this nano lets your fingers tap for a tune or pivot the display (essential when wearing the nano as a watch). You can select tunes by genre, album, composer, etc., or you can let the iTunes Genius create a playlist for you. This sixth-generation nano includes an FM radio, a watch and a pedometer.
The good:
It’s a miniature jukebox, photo viewer and a timepiece. You can shake it to shuffle tunes or press a button to show the time when it wakes up the nano display. Its pedometer is surprisingly accurate even while wearing the nano as my watch.
The bad:
This feature-rich nano guzzles power compared with my “plain Jane” second-generation nano, which required only a weekly recharge. The sixth-generation nano needs charging every other day, or daily when traveling and listening to tunes nonstop. Though it seems water resistant, I wish it were waterproof because I wear mine as a watch. As with other nanos, if the battery wears out, you can’t replace it, so I bought the AppleCare Protection Plan ($39) to extend the one-year warranty to two years.
Cost:
$149
Available from:
apple.com, Amazon, Best Buy, MacMall, etc. (price may be discounted $5 to $15 at some retailers
