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Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum:
Anyone run frequently with the current iPod Nano?

The_Mickstar

Oct 28, 09 7:33

Post #1 of 23 (807 views)

Anyone run frequently with the current iPod Nano?	Can't Post

As I posted a few days ago, my 2nd Gen Shuffle died. This is the third 2nd Gen that died on me. Quick diagnosis is sweat getting inside via the headphone jack. So, I'm looking for a replacement.

But, according to the feedback I got on my previous thread regarding the newest Shuffle (the version with the control on the headphone cable), it apparently suffers from the same shortcomings. And, some actually said it was worse with regards to "sweat death". So, it's out.

Now, I'm looking at the current Nano. Can anyone give me a review?

My main concerns are durability and size. Specific questions I have are...

Is it going to die as soon as a little sweat gets on it?
What about light impacts (ie. tossing it on the counter)?
How big/heavy is it? Does it feel awkward when running?
Where's the best place to wear it when running? Does it come with everything required to wear it there?

Any input is welcome.

Thanks.

And, since I'm sure someone will ask... I'm not an iPod groupie. These are available through an employee recognition program at work. So, I'd like to use points I already have vs spending money out of my pocket to go with a different brand.

Steve

Cerv�lo Mafia
member since June 2006

rroof

Oct 28, 09 7:54

Post #2 of 23 (788 views)

Re: Anyone run frequently with the current iPod Nano? [The_Mickstar] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Mine has been good so far. I've also killed a 2nd gen shuffle (have a 3rd gen shuffle as well that is still working) and an iPod Touch. My nano has been good with a rubber sleeve - pretty durable.
____________________________________
Fatigue is biochemical, not biomechanical.
- Andrew Coggan, PhD

spiderwj

Oct 28, 09 8:03

Post #3 of 23 (764 views)

Re: Anyone run frequently with the current iPod Nano? [rroof] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have the 3G nano and my wife has the 4G nano. Niether of us have had any issue with sweat yet. Sweaty fingers can make changing the volume a little frustrating at times but other than, that, it has been good.

My wife runs with her's tucked into her sports bra. Since this doesn't really help me, I have used a cell phone clip off of my blackberry case (fat and thin) and velcroed it to the back of my ipod (make sure you put the soft side on the ipod so if/when you remove the clip, you don't have a sandpaper feel), this allows me to clip it to my shorts. Works like a champ!

I like the nano over the shuffle because I can have a ton of music on it and pick playlists (plus it is Nike+ compatible). Sometimes I want rock, sometimes I want trance music, sometimes I want to mentally drift away by listening to an audiobook. I'd say hands down, nano over shuffle. Plus, when I get into the car after, I can plug it up to the stereo dock and rock out on the drive home!

Spiderwj

Bigkens

Oct 28, 09 8:10

Post #4 of 23 (755 views)

Re: Anyone run frequently with the current iPod Nano? [The_Mickstar] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I've got a current Nano that has been fine for running. It's not at all heavy (slightly heavier than my 1st Gen shuffle) and is a good size to hold in my hand. It puts up with a lot of abuse and has held up well. I have not had any problems with sweat.

My complaints are the shake/shuffle feature, which is too easy to activate when running so I have deactivated it, and the thumbwheel can be twitchy when your fingers are too cold or too sweaty.

I have Nike earbuds with a longer cord that allows me to slip the ipod into my shorts pocket, or just carry it in my hand.

I would recommend a rubber case.

Bob Loblaw

Oct 28, 09 8:12

Post #5 of 23 (745 views)

Re: Anyone run frequently with the current iPod Nano? [The_Mickstar] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I, too, killed a shuffle with sweat.
I now have a nano that I'm quite happy with.

I used to run with the shuffle on a lanyard against my skin. I never do this with the nano. I'm more careful with the nano than I was w/ the shuffle. when I run, I usually have it on my arm, in one of those band things designed for it (Belkin, I think). it's been fine thus far, the case is far from waterproof but it's been alright. It's not too heavy, IMO.

I really like having the screen. I mostly listen to podcasts, many of them an hour or so long, so the shuffle wasn't a great solution for me.
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jpflores

Oct 28, 09 8:46

Post #6 of 23 (704 views)

Re: Anyone run frequently with the current iPod Nano? [The_Mickstar] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have a 4G Nano that replaced a Shuffle that died from sweat exposure.

Is it going to die as soon as a little sweat gets on it?
Not so far, but I am careful with it.
What about light impacts (ie. tossing it on the counter)?
I usually keep it in a case, but I have dropped it on a concrete floor from about 4 feet and it is fine. Wouldn't recommend that though. Here is the case I normally keep it in - http://www.speckproducts.com/products/seethru/ipod-nano-4th-gen/155
How big/heavy is it? Does it feel awkward when running?
It is superlight. Less than 2oz.
Where's the best place to wear it when running? Does it come with everything required to wear it there?
I run with it either in my hand or in an armband. If you use an armband, you'll need to buy an aftermarket one, there are a bunch on the apple website.

All in all, its a great device. If you're an audiophile, I would recommend picking up some good aftermarket headphones...the buds that come with it are not the greatest.
__________________
JP
http://www.unbeatabletravel.net
http://www.amultisportlife.blogspot.com
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jmeyerle

Oct 28, 09 8:47

Post #7 of 23 (701 views)

Re: Anyone run frequently with the current iPod Nano? [Bob Loblaw] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I highly recommend the waterproofed 2nd Gen Shuffle from Swimman.com. Originally bought it for swimming but it has also survived two years of sweating and running in the rain.

prattzc

Oct 28, 09 8:55

Post #8 of 23 (689 views)

Re: Anyone run frequently with the current iPod Nano? [jmeyerle] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Been using mine for 2 years, no problems. I use the neoprene armband with mine. Smells bad, but I can hear my Hannah Montana songs just fine!!
MTMBWY

ttx_tri

Oct 28, 09 9:32

Post #9 of 23 (644 views)

Re: Anyone run frequently with the current iPod Nano? [The_Mickstar] [In reply to]	Can't Post

mine is over 2 years old and no problems. It has been completely incase in a silicone sleeve from day one. IT has survived rain, sweat and all the other elements. I also have a Nike+ sensor along with the headphone jack in to protect the unit completely.

When it is raining or snowing I wear it inside of my running jacket pocket with the cable run on the inside of the jacket. Summer it is in a waist case with my phone. Like I have said no problems as long as I have had it.
Back in the game, IMWI 2010!

Supermartin73

Oct 28, 09 9:37

Post #10 of 23 (636 views)

Re: Anyone run frequently with the current iPod Nano? [The_Mickstar] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hey,
THe new shuffle is great for sweat etc, the player itself can go in a plastic bag, or somewhere safe and dry, and all you need to do is use the controls on the headphones. This is very easy to do with and without running gloves.
Martin
Martin Zollinger
2009 events: Ottawa ING 1/2 Marathon, Peterborough 1/2 Ironman, Ironman Canada, Niagara Marathon
Sponsored by Polar, Sugoi, and Brooks.
Riding a Specialized Transition Pro

bmanners

Oct 28, 09 9:37

Post #11 of 23 (635 views)

Re: Anyone run frequently with the current iPod Nano? [The_Mickstar] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have a otterbox that i keep mine in. Sound was not great in water but with regular earphones works great on arm. Otterbox keeps it dry.

QBall

Oct 28, 09 9:47

Post #12 of 23 (613 views)

Re: Anyone run frequently with the current iPod Nano? [The_Mickstar] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I've never had any trouble with sweat with my nano but I always wear it in arm armband (nike?) so I don't think it gets much exposure to sweat.

tgarson

Oct 28, 09 11:03

Post #13 of 23 (568 views)

Re: Anyone run frequently with the current iPod Nano? [The_Mickstar] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I've been running with iPod Nano's for probably over 5 years now. Used my 1st gen for a year or so before it was stolen in a computer lab at school, then I've been using my 2nd gen since probably 2006. I use the Nike+ armband and it still gets soaked all of the time, I've been caught out in the rain with it before too and it still is going strong.

I have an iPhone now so I don't really use my Nano for anything other than running, but back before I had the iPhone I would have never considered a shuffle. The nano is small/light enough for running to me and unlike the Shuffle, it's actually feature-rich enough to enjoy using outside of running.

Devlin

Oct 28, 09 11:11

Post #14 of 23 (556 views)

Re: Anyone run frequently with the current iPod Nano? [QBall] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hrm. I run with a shuffle all the time (2nd gen, clipped to the waistband), and the only problem that I'm noticing is that one ear bud is starting to cut out, but I think it's a wire issue not a shuffle issue. I sweat a lot and have run in the rain with it, and so far going strong.

John

Sponsors: Rudy Project

That is 11 dimensions of awesome. Yes, string theory is necessary to fully appreciate the meta-nature of your post.-DaveRoche

KeepOnGrinding

Oct 28, 09 11:50

Post #15 of 23 (532 views)

Re: Anyone run frequently with the current iPod Nano? [The_Mickstar] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have been running with my 1st Gen Nano for two years give or take and no problems.
Although, I run in nike splits which have a pocket on the back of the shorts that it fits into.

mallen4574

Oct 28, 09 12:47

Post #16 of 23 (498 views)

Re: Anyone run frequently with the current iPod Nano? [KeepOnGrinding] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I had the nano. I now have a 2nd gen shuffle. I like it much better for it's simplicity. The shake to shuffle is frustrating. The fact that screen flips tends to kill the battery faster. Lastly, mine is
dead from an "impact". I never dropped it and always had it in a neoprene case. I like the shuffle it's small and you can get an h20 audio waterproof interval case and headphones for $40. That solves your sweat problem and you can swim
with it.

GMAN 19030

Oct 28, 09 13:27

Post #17 of 23 (461 views)

Re: Anyone run frequently with the current iPod Nano? [mallen4574] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have the new Nano and all is well with it. I either put it in my pocket or use an armband. As someone else said - turn off that shake/shuffle feature if running.

JP

Oct 28, 09 15:26

Post #18 of 23 (407 views)

Re: Anyone run frequently with the current iPod Nano? [The_Mickstar] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I run with all of them but usually the Shuffle and never had an issue...ever. I run, bike, do treadmill runs, trainer rides etc with it and it still works as good as new. Once after a cold and wet 3-hour winter cyclocross I even forgot my shuffle and earbuds were in my bike jersey and sent them through the washer and dryer and they STILL work flawlessly. I was beginning to think this thing is bombproof!

trigreek

Oct 29, 09 12:35

Post #19 of 23 (314 views)

Re: Anyone run frequently with the current iPod Nano? [JP] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I've burned through at least three shuffles. Love the size for running and biking. Attach it to my watchband and works perfect....until sweat gets in it. I just bought a new one and found this on Amazon. I'm hoping it takes care of the problem.
http://www.amazon.com/...256844651&sr=8-8

Citius, Altius, Fortius

jO4

Oct 29, 09 14:02

Post #20 of 23 (274 views)

Re: Anyone run frequently with the current iPod Nano? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'll never understand why folks would limit themselves to a single company's products even when they don't work well. Apple's marketing power is absolutely amazing.
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Don't hold back

Ticothunder

Oct 30, 09 5:55

Post #21 of 23 (194 views)

Re: Anyone run frequently with the current iPod Nano? [jO4] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I had a Nano that died from sweat. I bought a gen 2 Shuffle. I had a wide-mouthed fuel belt bottle. I sliced the bottom, ran in the ear phone connector and sealed it. Now I drop in the Shuffle, screw on the cap, stick it in a pocket, and am sweat and waterproof.

Longboarder

Oct 30, 09 8:56

Post #22 of 23 (140 views)

Re: Anyone run frequently with the current iPod Nano? [spiderwj] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Question, is the FM radio any good?

Train safe & smart

Bob

"Then the thought came back- f^*k you, keep moving. The little train that could, could. I'm moving forward again." Doug Stern

(This post was edited by Longboarder on Oct 30, 09 8:57)

marmentrout

Oct 30, 09 9:23

Post #23 of 23 (118 views)

Re: Anyone run frequently with the current iPod Nano? [The_Mickstar] [In reply to]	Can't Post

If you quit biking\running, you would not have to replace your iPod(s) as often.

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