The new iPod Nano has been revealed, and I can’t help but feel that the designers were completely out of ideas. This new generation iPod Nano was marked by, aside from much needed storage and value improvements, more superficial modifications. Genius music suggestions (sells more songs), “nanochromatic” colors (seems like a last resort to get people to buy one), accelerometer (only useful on the Touch and iPhone) and touts regarding its environmental friendliness (which isn’t a bad thing). All of these seem like nothing more than gimmicks.

Take the accelerometer. It’s key function is to allow for the Cover Flow feature to work when the iPod is flipped horizontally. Both the last generation Nano and new one have the same screen resolution, and the only difference is that the new one has been reoriented to be vertical. If they had left the more squarish design, the accelerometer wouldn’t even be necessary. But then they slapped on a frivolous “shake to shuffle” feature to make it seem useful. If the screen was larger at all, the accelerometer might make sense, but it’s not.

In terms of value the new Nano is catching up with its competitors, but I’m still not ready to buy it yet. I’ve been spoiled by the fantastic voice recorder and FM radio on my Sandisk Sansa. Until then, the value proposition just isn’t there. I’d still readily buy a Sandisk View or Zune. I will admit that the color gimmick is working great, because that two tone orange looks incredible.