iPod nano, second generation (2G) 4GB

(The following summary applies to all three second-generation iPod nano models.)

The second-generation iPod nano is both a welcome step back to the more colorful (and scratch-resistant) days of the iPod mini and a moderate step forward in functionality. This middle-child iPod feels and looks great with its rugged aluminum finish and bright display. Apple's done nice things with power management to allow the nano to play for 24-plus hours on a single charge. And the ability to record high-quality voice memos and more easily search your portable music collection are nice enhancements--though, like me, you may find the click-a-letter search feature more trouble than it's worth. All in all, this is a worthy successor to the original nano and one that's likely to be a smash hit this holiday season.

--Christopher Breen