With the announcement of the new Apple TV, and now the release of the drastically revised iPod Nano, it would appear that Apple is in the process of re-evaluating its product line and re-tooling the entries to match what it perceives to be the needs of the consumer.

With the Apple TV, they have correctly, I believe, simplified the complexity of the original offering, removed any notion of storage, which tended to confuse the average user, and prepared it for an app driven iOS future. They claimed these changes resulted from a close look at the usage of the current Apple TV, and that they made the changes they felt were needed to more closely match what was desired.

The Nano, I believe, follows the same path.

I have an iPhone and and the new Nano. I also have the previous generation Nano. I tend to agree with Apple: I never the older Nano once to watch a video. I never used the contacts, the calendar, nor did I play a game on the Nano. I bought it for jogging, I only used it for jogging.

All those things removed from the new Nano I currently do on my iPhone. These removed features were worthless to me and will not be missed.

But the Nano did do exactly what I wanted it to do: become smaller, and be easier to use. Though I am getting used to a virtual pause button vs. a physical button on the older model, I find the new Nano to sound a little better and is less intrusive during running.

Apple has apparently moved away from the "same feature set, different design" view and has moved to "what's best for the intended useage?" model. They now have a mature line of music players, each with a clear and intended purpose.

The Classic is for those who wish to carry their entire music collection with them.

The Touch is the top of the line universal player and application machine. Not intended for exercise, but rather for those who don't have an iPhone but want its best features.

The iPhone, a Touch with a phone built in. Same positioning as the Touch, but replaces your phone if you are in the market for a phone.

The Shuffle: the low cost entry point into the Apple ecosystem. Probably the only way Apple could offer any product under $100. With its small storage, and lack of screen, it appears to be essentially a gateway device for some to enter the Apple world.

And finally the Nano. Not the universal player anymore. Not the smaller iPod Classic, like its predecessors were. The Nano seems to be targeted to the highly mobile exercise crowd. The Nano is really only good for playing music, which, along with the Shuffle, make it the only "pure" iPod left. If you want a music player, and you want more than 2GB or storage, but you don't need apps or video or games because all you want to do is listen to music, than the Nano seems ideal. It fails when we try to make it something is clearly not intended to be. And for those who grieve at the loss of the features, I am sure Apple's answer is that "you really want a Touch." They're right, too. The days of the Nano needing to be a stripped down Touch or Classic vanished the day the Touch was released.

So, though not perfect, I think the design and intended use of the Nano fits in nicely into the Apple music player offerings.

I have decided to review this product, since there are no other reviews worth reading, and since it is actually a fairly good buy. The choice can be difficult, because on average this product is more expensive than the other running docks for your ipod.

Firstly, let me say that I have only had mine for a day. I have the 6th Gen Nano. So, I cannot give any feedback at this stage regarding how this product will wear. I will try to remember to return in a month or two's time and post an update. Also, time from buy to receive was about a week, so I cant identify with the other comment about the lack of shipping.

- The product looks good, and is essentially exactly how it looks in the photo. The Nano fits pretty much perfectly. However, if you have a silicone cover on your nano it will NOT fit.
- It is easy to get the nano in and out, and because of the clip on the nano, when its in, it is secure, and therefore wont fall off the watch. This means its not the kind of "cover" where once its in, its in forever.
- The screen of the nano can be easily rotated to have the clock face, and the menu etc interface in the orientation you desire.
- The headphone jack of the nano points UP YOU ARM when the ipod is docked. I find this to be quite convenient as I use mine for running, and therefore want the cable pointing up my arm
- NB one: The docking platform between the two straps is PLASTIC (not metal). I believe this will have pro's and con's, given that plastic will wear better with the sweat, but may not last as long. Potential concern here. However, the plastic does appear sturdy, so will let you know how it goes.
- The size of the watch strap, and the holes make it possible to fit almost all size arms. I am a fairly big guy, and it fits me comfortably. However, if you have mammoth wrists, you may run into trouble.

Post comments, and I will try to answer them. All in all, a good product that is (imho) freaking cool.