Apple iPod Nano 6th generation September 2010
New touchscreen iPod Nano
Apple has launched the sixth generation of the popular iPod Nano. The new device has dropped the video camera that was present in the previous version and has introduced a small touchscreen display. Just like the previous incarnation, the Nano is available in 8GB and 16GB varieties
Of the three new iPod versions announced by Apple in September 2010, it’s the Nano that's had the most significant makeover.
The new iPod Nano has a square, rather than rectangular design, and is almost half the size of its predecessor. This makes the Nano truly tiny – it weighs just 21g – and some people may find that it’s now too small.
Since writing this First Look review in September 2010 we've fully tested all the iPod range. Read what our experts have to say in our full iPod Nano review.
New touchscreen display
Apple has dropped the famous scroll-wheel from the new Nano, replacing it with a 1.5 inch touchscreen display. There are four icons on the home screen, giving you access to Playlists, Now Playing, Artists and Genius Mixes. You can access more options by sliding the screen left with your finger.
The small 1.5 inch touchscreen on the new iPod Nano
The touchscreen is bright and easy to use. However we do question whether Apple needed to replace the click wheel. That was also simple to operate and though the new touchscreen is impressive, it doesn't really improve the device.
On the back is a clip, making it as portable and gym-friendly as the Shuffle.
Another change is that Apple has removed the ability to play or create videos, one of last year's Nano's most touted features. However it has retained the useful FM radio with live pause and rewind plus Apple's VoiceOver function, which can tell you the name of the artist and song being played.
The Nano comes with the standard Apple headphones and has an advertised battery life of up to 24 hours.
iPod Nano model range and pricing
It’s available in seven different colours and costs £129 for the 8GB model (up from £118) and £159 for the 16GB version (up from £138). This means that a video-capable 8GB iPod Touch, which offers web browsing and access to thousands of Apps, is only £30 more expensive.
Pros: Extremely easy to use, promised battery life is impressive, small, retains FM radio
Cons: Maybe too small for some users, video camera and playback dropped, expensive
