Apple 16GB iPod nano (7th Gen)

I must admit, the newest incarnation of the tried and true iPod Nano caught me off guard...the only reason I was in the market for a new Nano was because the volume control on my 6th Gen Nano started acting a fool and I couldn't fix it myself. I was pleasantly surprised to see a 7th Gen on Amazon, and decided to bite on it. Turned out to be a very good decision, as overall this is the best Nano overall I've used. I'm very satisfied with it so far, and it's nearly flawless in both design and operation. Starting out with the design and look of the new Nano...most Apple/iPhone users will notice right away that it looks and acts in many ways like a mini iPhone. The volume controls, home button, and lock button are in the same spots as on the iPhone, and the touch screen is back from its debut with the 6th Gen. Brilliant move by Apple, actually, as if you already have an iPhone you should be able to use the new Nano right out of the box. The convenient clip is gone, but that's easily remedied with a clip case. (Found a decent one on this site for about four bucks.) The screen is bigger and has higher resolution, of course, which makes viewing videos and pictures less of an eye-straining experience. I don't use the Nano for videos or pictures myself, but if you do I'm sure it's more pleasant. As far as function, pretty much every feature from the 6th Gen is back for this version, and finally...FINALLY...the Nano has Bluetooth built right in! No more buying a $45-50 battery-killing Bluetooth adapter so I can listen with my Bluetooth headphones! The built-in pedometer is back as well, which enables utilization of Nike+ without the receiver or shoe sensor. I LOVE being able to track runs/walks wearing any pair of shoes and no extra equipment. For those uneducated/curious, Nike+ is a free program that allows you to track your runs/walks (and other activities if you have a FuelBand) via Nike's website. It's great for setting goals for yourself and tracking your progress if you're into (or looking at getting into) the whole fitness thing, which I am. Also back is the FM radio receiver for those who still actually listen to the radio. Depending on your location, of course, the radio generally works pretty well. As said before, the Nano can play videos, Podcasts, and show pictures, which makes it even more portable and convenient. Most people so far have been turned off by the new Lightning data cable, but Amazon sells several different (and affordable) 3rd-party adapters so you can use your old USB cable and/or docks. (I picked up one for 13 bucks and it works just fine.) It's definitely a faster cable, most noticeable in syncing with iTunes. I certainly could've done without a new cable, but hey, it's tech evolution, folks, and we'll adapt to it just like everything else. Aside from the look and design and the new cable, though, there's not much different about the 7th Gen, which is a good thing and keeps it simple to use. And now, the obligatory pros/cons section! WHAT'S GREAT ABOUT THE 7TH GEN: - Best part: BLUETOOTH! You can use your Bluetooth headset/headphones with the new Nano without any extra adapters or equipment, which usually drains the Nano's battery much faster than normal. With my 6th Gen, I had to use a BT adapter (that didn't have a power switch), which cut my battery life down to about an hour and a half of playback. Not only that, I had to remember to put the darned thing on it before I went to the gym! If I forgot it, I was out of luck, as it were. The built-in Bluetooth tech on the 7th Gen doesn't seem to faze the battery, either, from what I've seen. I only use the Nano for a couple hours at a time, though, so take that at face value. - BATTERY LIFE: I've gone three-or-four-day stints with the new Nano without charging the battery, and the indicator barely moved. Again, it was only a couple hours' use at a time, but still...it looks like the advertised 30-hour playback isn't just smoke. That's a big improvement over the 6th Gen, which had 8-10 hours at the most. - EASE OF USE: Like I said, if you've got an iPhone, you already know how to navigate the new Nano. If not, it's a snap if you know how to use a touchscreen. You can even move the icons where you want them and change up your home screen like on the iPhone by holding down on one of the icons. When they start to shake, just drag them where you want them. - NIKE+ INTEGRATION: The easy "Fitness" menu on the home screen tells you exactly what to do if you want to track your runs/walks. With the built-in pedometer, it's easy to calibrate as well. Just do a run/walk of a mile or more and hit "Calibrate" when you're done and the Nano does the rest. It's pretty accurate as well; calibrating the Nano more precisely measures your distance and calories burned from your workout time and weight. I've only calibrated it on first use, haven't done it again in over two months, and I get the same results. Just be sure to update it if your weight changes by more than a few pounds. WHAT THE 7TH GEN COULD'VE USED: - WI-FI: Granted, as other reviews have said, you're generally not going to have Wi-fi where you're taking your Nano, but it would've opened up a lot of expansion for the device if you're in a place that does have it (gym, etc.) Streaming music/videos/TV while you work out, enabling other apps (wow, the apps that could enhance this device)...not having Wi-fi doesn't really detract from the Nano, though; if you've got a smartphone you can always use that for the aforementined applications. - A CLIP: I don't like using an armband with the Nano; they tend to feel awkward and can restrict circulation, but I'll use one if I have to. And again, this doesn't really take points away. The design/shape of the 6th Gen and the clip allowed me to wear it on my wrist (with a wrist/watch band), which was great since not only was it out of the way, but the Clock feature made it a functioning watch as well. But again, you can find a hard case with a clip for a few bucks and fix that. WHAT SUCKS ABOUT THE 7TH GEN: - The only real flaw I can see (so far) with the new Nano is with the Nike+ interaction. It's not even a flaw, though, really...but since the Nano has a built-in pedometer and senses movement, if you want to track your workout you'll need to keep the Nano on your person. Last week I had the Nano clipped to my waistband while on the treadmill, but since I was doing intervals it started feeling awkward so I took it off and set it to the side. After a couple of minutes the Nano chirped at me, "Activity stopped. Press Pause to continue your workout." Whoops! I quickly reattached it, but a minute later it said, "Workout complete," right in mid-stride. Live and learn. I haven't had an issue with connectivity since. Other than that, no other real complaints so far! Overall, I've been raving about this version of the Nano since I got it in the mail (the day after I ordered it...Amazon Prime continues to amaze!) and for a guy who exercises to music regularly like myself, a good MP3 player is a must-have. This device does a lot more than play music. It's a versatile little workout buddy that knows how to stay out of the way, plays for days, and motivates you to get in better shape. Highly recommended!