Apple iPod nano 7gen Pro Reviews

Ultra-slim, ultra-light and with a massive battery life, the Nano is a reliable if rather expensive MP3 player

The radical change in design here -- closer to the fourth- and fifth-generation nanos than the last -- won't be universally liked, but the seventh-gen iPod nano is absolutely the best yet. It brings all the functionality of the last nano to the table and adds plenty more in a deliciously slender package. The integrated Nike+ functionality will make the runners happy and, while it still doesn't mark the return of video capture, we welcome the re-acquired video playback. At $149 for 16GB there are certainly plenty of cheaper options out there, but if you're looking for something tiny, something light, something beautiful and something that plays nice within the Apple ecosystem, stop looking.

Whether you are looking for a feature-packed powerhouse with "HD," wireless connectivity and lots of apps, or a more affordable, lean yet capable multimedia device, Apple has you covered with these new players. Evolved over years of continuing refinement, both offer the quality—and, yes, fun—we've come to expect. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to find out what happens to the crew of The Orca….

The nano has always been a popular MP3 player. It's cheap enough to make it a spontaneous purchase and have wide appeal to people who aren't necessarily heavily into technology. The multitude of colours are nice, and you'll certainly find one you like. Plus, it's tiny, and has a very decent capacity. We like the sound too, it's clear and clean. The EQ settings are, honestly, not up to much. For this reason, we suggest you find headphones with a sound profile you like, and use them with the iPod EQ off. This is by far the best way to listen. The iPod isn't "cheap" but it's not expensive either. It's a device that you might buy on a whim, or give to a friend for Christmas, but whoever ends up with it, they will end up adoring this capable and brilliant-sounding device.

An improvement on last year's iPod nano, mainly thanks to the inclusion of video playback. We found the general design and shape more pleasing too, and we can live without the clip that the last generation had – the nano is so lightweight that slipping it into a pocket while exercising is easy. Of course, if you haven't got a free pocket in your exercise hear you may have to invest in a case that attaches it to your body in some way. Bluetooth for wireless audio is a good addition, and provides the first opportunity to engage in some wire-free exercise for the first time, when used with Bluetooth earphones. The nano is really the perfect device for fitness fanatics. Runners will love the Fitness app, and we really like the way everything you need for your workout is included. While the iPod touch's place in Apple's line-up has suddenly been thrown into doubt by the iPad mini, the iPod nano at the £129 price point has carved out a nice little niche for itself, and we can see this one running and running.

To be honest, we’re simply glad to see the nano get back on track after the somewhat baffling experiment with the 2010 model. It’s still a bit pricey, and we reckon Apple really needs a model that hits the £99.99 mark, but the larger screen and super-slimline design return the iPod nano to its glory days and leave most of its rivals looking like scrap metal.

Those who loved the previous iPod nano’s built-in clip and square shape—especially folks who used the nano as a clip-on workout companion or a makeshift wristwatch—will lament the latest model’s taller, clipless design. But as handy (or, if you will, hands-free) that clip was—and for many people it might be useful enough for Apple to consider a similar product separate from the nano line—dropping it let Apple make the new iPod nano remarkably thin and light. In addition, the larger screen and physical buttons dramatically improve the nano’s usability, and the addition of Bluetooth functionality is a big win for active use. Clip aside, it feels like this is what last year’s iPod nano wanted to be: Familiar, but better in almost way than the one before it. This year’s model, in fact, addresses most of the major complaints I had about the sixth-generation iPod, taking what was good about that model and incorporating features and design elements from both Apple’s iOS devices and the 2009 iPod nano. The results is, in my opinion, the best iPod nano yet—as long as you don’t want to wear it on your wrist or clip it to your workout clothes. It’s still missing a few features present in older models, and Wi-Fi—along with iTunes Match—would truly set the nano apart from other media players on the market, but the 2012 iPod nano is an impressive device that’s easier to use than any nano before it.

The seventh-generation iPod Nano is a fine product, but I'm not entirely sure who it's for. It comes across like a breeding experiment between an iPod Shuffle and iPod Touch. The kid is cute, but I think most people will be better served by its parents. For fitness types, the physical controls, simplicity, and clip-on design, and $49 price of the iPod Shuffle make it seem like the better deal. And for those enticed by the Nano's wireless Bluetooth audio, video playback, and integrated fitness tracking, the 16GB base model of the iPod Touch is out there for $199, just $50 more than the iPod Nano. The Nano is smaller, and far more adorable, but the Touch is in another league when it comes to features.

Apple puts the iPod nano back on track with its latest version, which sports a sweet new design, a larger touch screen, video playback capabilities, and more.