The first two generation iPod Nanos did have a small screen, but this was when iPods were just used for listening to music and the screen was just used to find the track you wanted, and it was sufficient. Nike had teamed up with Apple to launch Nike+, the accessory all casual sports enthusiasts had to have, and sports clothing began to have convenient Nano sized pockets.

Then along came the third generation, an inch shorter and great for wearing whilst exercising. The problem was whilst the iPod hit the stores in early September the accessories took a while to join them, with it taking 2 months to get armbands on the market and it took Nike till the Spring/Summer range before their clothing could hold the latest version. Now the latest generation has seen the return of the long narrow version so we can have a wider screen, obviously essential for listening to music. Now the pockets of sports clothing currently on the market no longer fit as they are designed for the previous generation.

The development of the new iPod Shuffle was good in theory; half the size of the previous version but the controls were located on the earphone cord. This would be fine if I could run in the supplied earphones.  I personally prefer Bose ear buds for exercising in, the alternative sized ear bud tips ensure they stay in my ear no matter how energetic the exercise. But with the controls fixed to the Apple earphones I am limited to what I can do listening on the new iPod Shuffle.

I have no issues with companies upgrading their products each year adding extra memory or an additional gadget. Their business is to sell their product and most music lovers don’t only own one iPod. I personally own an iPod Classic as a comprehensive library for my music, an iTouch for gadgets and email, and a third generation Nano to use during training.  The new Nano’s unveiled today seem to be unsure who they are aimed at. The built in radio and video camera that you can send to YouTube is heading towards the iTouch market. The addition of a pedometer or the ability to connect to a compatible cardio machine is attracting the fitness market. Of course most of us athletes know of someone who has accidentally washed their iPod with their sports kit, if we haven’t done so ourselves, and would we rather risk $59 for a shuffle or $149 for the new Nano with gadgets we don’t need.

As both a music and fitness lover I love iPods and they allow the combination of my two passions. I do however wonder if the people who design these products are just geeks who want to combine as many gadgets as possible. Or do they actually consult sports enthusiasts who will buy and use the products if they need a video camera whilst training and racing, or ask the rock fiend if he really wants a pedometer.

I also wish Apple would not make the previous version obsolete especially when they make such radical changes to the shape and design, or at least coordinate with other accessory manufactures. If we are to be forced to buy a new version when we damage our old one it would be nice to have an armband or running top available to use with it.

No matter what my opinion is now I’m sure I’m going to eventually end up buying a new fifth generation and will be grateful of the video camera when I next come across a YouTube worthy moment whilst training.

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