History

• The iPod Nano was originally introduced by Apple in September 2005 as a follow-up to its incredibly popular iPod and iPod Mini. The original iPod Nanos came in two versions -- 2GB and 4GB -- and the only color options were black and white. The large, 4GB model could hold up to 1,000 songs. It caused quite a stir when it was originally released due to its impossibly thin and lightweight design. According to Apple, the original Nano was thinner than a No. 2 pencil.
  
  

Features

• The fourth-generation Nano was released in September 2008, and featured much larger capacity even while weighing in at a mere 1.3 ounces. The new models came in two sizes, 8GB and 16GB, which can hold up to 2,000 or 4,000 songs. The Nano also introduced new features like the ability to shuffle your song playlist by shaking your iPod and a screen that adjusts for viewing if the iPod is upside down or sideways.
  
  

Colors

• While the only color options for the original iPod Nano were black and white, the fourth-generation model comes in a rainbow of colors. Color options for the iPod Nano include silver, black, purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, red and pink.
  
  

Pricing

• The 8GB iPod Nano retails for approximately $149, while the 16GB model is slightly more expensive at $199, even though it holds double the number of songs.
  
  

Where to Buy

• iPod Nanos can be purchased directly from Apple, either at an Apple Store or via its Website, www.apple.com. The iPod is also sold at a number of retailers including Amazon.com and Circuit City. If you are buying an iPod Nano as a gift, Apple offers free engraving if you purchase online at its Website.
  
  

Value

• IPods, including the iPod Nano, generally get good ratings from consumer reviewers and technology experts. The technology Website CNET gives the iPod Nano 4 out of 5 stars and a rating as "excellent," while PC Magazine gives the Nano a "very good" rating.