I went to Costco specifically to buy a Nano 5G to use while running. I already use my Nano 3G with Nike+ when running, and LOVE it, but the 5G can work with a heart rate monitor accessory.

I was horribly disappointed when I arrived at Costco and, instead of seeing rows of 5G’s like I expected, I only saw this bizarre square little device. Nothing about it looked appealing. After confirming I could return it if I hate it (which I was sure I would), I begrudgingly bought it.

Within an hour, I was in love. This is going to be the perfect running device after all, because of its size, its many fitness-related features, and its 16GB capacity. (8GB was never quite enough… with 16GB, I have pretty much my entire music library plus podcasts galore.)

The size has grown on me, especially since I may want to wear it as a pedometer throughout the day. It’s practically weightless so it’s not in the least intrusive.

The interface took a few minutes of getting used to (even though I already use the iPhone), but it’s actually ingenious. It’s simple and fast to navigate to what you need.

It’s the perfect device for getting fit, especially if you use it with the Nike + iPod. I’m about to buy the Nike+ Polar Wearlink Transmitter so I can make sure my heart rate stays in range. I used to use a separate heart rate monitor and pedometer, and it was an ordeal to have to clip on so many different devices. With the nano 6G, everything is consolidated into one system. Plus, unlike my old heart rate monitor, heart rate data will be automatically submitted and stored on the Nike+ website.

I don’t currently work out in a gym, but the FM transmitter would have come in handy at my old gym. To watch TV while using cardio, many gyms tune the audio to various FM radio stations. (I used to lug my clunky early-90′s Sony Walkman just to be able to watch TV while doing cardio!)

I’ve read complaints about the lack of a video camera, video capability, and cover flow. I don’t miss any of those one bit. The nano screen is really too small for video… trying to watch video on my nano 3G was a frustrating experience. If I want to watch video on the go, I’ll use my iPhone.

I’m giving the 6G four stars on the “convenience” rating because I can’t see that there’s an easy way to skip to the next track without looking. Then again, when jogging with my 3G, I usually had to look at it when using the click wheel too (when running, it’s too easy to hit the center button when trying to hit the wheel etc.).

Some people have complained that this is more of a “Shuffle Touch.” Now that I’m using it, I think of it as a full-featured, full-capacity nano, in a shuffle size.

The biggest reason I wanted a new nano was for the 16GB capacity, but the enhanced Nike+ features, built-in pedometer, and ability to work with a heart rate monitor make it well worth the price. I was 99% sure I would hate it, but it turns out it’s exactly what I want.

Filed under: iPod Nano

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