The iPod Stocking Stuffers: iPod nano vs. iPod touch

Not too many people have gone hands-on with the new iPods, but I think I can make a safe bet as to whether this year’s stocking stuffer is going to be the iPod nano or the iPod touch.

I’m a big fan of the folks over at Engadget, and I heard an interesting comment on the latest episode of the Engadget Podcast that I’d have to disagree with. As the gang rounded up their discussion of the iPod nano, Joshua Topolsky remarked that the iPod nano was going to be this year’s big stocking stuffer. I’m not so sure; a lot of people are either intensly critical or highly skeptical of the new iPod nano’s design, and I think the iPod touch is going to be a more sought after device. The price point is right for a stocking stuffer, but I don’t think it has enough features that a kid would be happy with.

The thing is that the iPod nano has caught a lot of flak for what is a brilliant design. Many are quick to write it off as a silly or weird, but the market for the iPod nano isn’t for young adults in high school. The iPod nano is going to be more sought after by twenty somethings (like myself) who work out – it’s for people who run and exercise. Granted, iPhones and iPod touches do include Nike +, and the iPhone can even take advantage of GPS capabilities that trace your route and calculate your distance. But these are fragile devices, ones that I wouldn’t want drenched in the inevitable armband sweat. The iPod nano market is going to be geared towards becoming this inexpensive lightweight accessory that you wear in addition to Nike +. It’s too easy to clip it on my sleeve and take it for a jog.

The iPod touch is going to be the killer stocking stuffer for young adults and college kiddos of all ages. With features like HD video recording, its strong emphasis on gaming, and FaceTime, I can’t see why someone would ask for an iPod nano over this. There is the price factor, and I could see why mom and dad couldn’t tell the difference between the iPod nano’s non-iOS interface vs. the iPod touch’s. But people are going to want the iPod touch because it will be such a versatile PMP that surfs the internet and that they can watch movies on. It’s much more attractive to those who don’t have an iPhone.

What it will come down to is this: if you don’t own an iPhone, you’ll go for the iPod touch. It’s crazy to think that someone would skimp out on all the features it offers in such a small (and price-worthy) package. I’m going to say that the market for the iPod nano is going to be for iPhone or smartphone owners who want a uniquely portable and fashionable device that’s incredibly easy to exercise with. It’s small, clips on to just about anything, and presents the perfect opportunity to step away from a world of tight Nike armbands and similar offerings. Certainly both models will sell extremely well, but it’ll be the iPod touch that makes waves this season.