The New iPod Nano

Ever since the arrival of the iPhone and, subsequently, the iPod Touch, Apple’s standard iPod has lacked the fun extras of its brethren. Sure, the Nano has offered pocket-sized entertainment at the best cost, but a multi-dimensional Brick Breaker doesn’t hold a candle to Web access and the wide world of apps.

With its latest release of the Nano, Apple tries to correct that disparity by introducing an array of upgrades and new features. The new versions—in eight and 16 GB models—come with a built-in microphone and speaker, video camera, pedometer and live-pause radio. With so many of these features already on Apple’s touch products, their integration is mostly seamless. The camera feature produces Flip camera-quality short videos and offers various Photo Booth shooting styles. But the precariously located lens at the bottom left of the device’s back side begs for users to let their hands slip into the frame. The sound is fine, as good as any iTalk or other such add-on for the classic. It’s a musically-inclined journalist’s dream come true (David Pogue need not apply).

But all the new additions, in spite of their minor flaws, are welcome. The FM radio, though heavier on static than one might like, eliminates the need to selectively include podcasts on your iPod. Also, the pause feature makes listening to something as analog as radio as exciting as DVR-ing (joy!), and you can tag songs you like but don’t recognize for future purchase. The radio does require the use of headphones, but everything else can be played through the built-in speaker, which won’t get the party pumping but is a welcome add-on.

Finally, there’s this maze game where you have to control the ball by tilting the iPod. It’s probably old hat, but my classic iPod-using self really enjoyed the novelty of having to move the not-just-a-mp3-player. High marks all around, Apple.