Overall Interface (8.00)
The iPod's interface is in keeping with the brand's aesthetic: simple and clean. The interface involves a series of list-based menus which you navigate with the scroll wheel. Selecting an item is done with the select key. Backing out of a menu is done by pressing the Menu button. Really, the only button you use to call up an additional menu is the select button: on the Now Playing screen, the select button toggles the function of the scroll wheel, letting you change the volume (the default function), fast-forward or rewind, or assign a rating. Nomenclatural ambiguity aside, the iPod's interface is about as intuitive as you can get. There were a few options we would've liked slightly better access to, such as the "repeat one" feature, but overall it's hard to get lost in the menu structure. The menus are laid out logically and the OS in general is responsive.
Personal Information Management
Address Book (0.50)
You can sync over your contact information from iTunes, but you can't actually edit it on the device.
 
Calendar (0.50)
Like your contact information, your calendar appointments can be synchronized via iTunes. You cannot add or edit appointments on the device.
Todo Lists (0.0)
The Nano doesn't have any kind of support for Todo lists.
Memos & Other Documents (0.50)
The Nano will let you drag & drop over notes, but all you can do is check them out.
Games (2.50)
The Nano comes with a game called Maze. In it, you wander around mazes using the Nano's accelerometer. The game is a fine diversion, unless you're in a bus in which case every bump in the road has the potential to really frustrate you. Really, the iPod Nano isn't a gaming device. It's nice that it has an accelerometer and the scroll wheel does its job well enough, but imprecise controls are always slightly annoying. For casual games, where one blown input won't ruin your day, the Nano and the App store's bottomless barrel of games should help burn a few hours. The App store will let you choose from many different Nano-friendly games, many of which are free.
Extensibility (8.00)
As alluded to above, the Nano supports Apple's App store, which has a significant amount of applications available for download. The Nano doesn't have an app store client on it, so you'll have to use iTunes to download and sync over programs. Most of these apps available are meant for the iPhone or iPod touch, but some are available for the Nano. Since the Nano now has an accelerometer, we predict lots of new apps will start getting rolled out for it.
Other Features (2.00)
The Nano has a few interesting features we've awarded points for. The first is the accelerometer, which will let you access cover flow mode and serve as a means of control in various applications. The second is the Nike application, which utilizes the accelerometer to serve as a pedometer and track the amount of calories burned. You can then sync all this information with a Nike site. Perhaps there's even a high score table online somewhere.
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