Apple iPod Nano

Apple's iPod Nano has seen many changes since it first appeared: originally tall and slim it then grew short and wide, then tall and thin again, and even grew a video camera in its last appearance. The latest Nano, though, is tiny, square and without a camera.

The player has a standard Apple ‘dock' connector on the bottom, a headphone socket on the top, and buttons only for the power and volume. Everything else is controlled using the touch-sensitive screen.

There's a lot to like about the new design. The back is covered in a large clip, making it easy to attach to clothing, touch-controls were simple with large icons and can be rotated so they are always visible whichever way the player is facing. Sound quality was good, and an FM radio receiver and, strangely, a pedometer are built in.

There were disappointments, too. The small, square screen was too small to show video so Apple doesn't include the capability – for that, you'll need an iPod Touch. The icons make it look as though it might run Apple's apps, but you can't add extra software, and the cost is high – alternative 8GB players cost as little as £50 but the Nano starts at £130.

If you want a music player for use when exercising, the Nano's small size and convenient design might make it worth the extra cost. Otherwise, it's just too costly to recommend.