The latest generation of the iPod Nano, dubbed 'chromatic' in Apple's publicity material, has returned to the portrait format of the second generation and now comes in nine different colors.

Now with a 2.5'' screen, it's also gained an accelerometer and several new software features. 

One of the most heavily-trumpeted new features is called Genius.  Borrowed from iTunes, it allows the Genius to become your own pocket DJ by automatically generating playlists based on tracks that complement each other.

The final new touch comes thanks to the accelerometer.  Not content allowing you change the orientation of the screen like on an iPhone or an iPod touch, it also includes a cute feature which allows you to skip to a random track just by giving the iPod a gentle shake.

We'll be looking at each one of these features to see whether they make the Nano 4G a worthy upgrade, but you might also like to consider our review of its predecessor, the Apple iPod Nano 3G.

A little machine to take on the big boys?

Even with all these updates, the new Nano doesn't quite manage to include all of the features available on its bigger brothers, but it's not shy to borrow from the best.

The accelerometer, for instance, allows you to enjoy Cover Flow and watching video in landscape mode.

Having the screen sideways means you can also use the updated software to search for tracks, which is now easier than ever before.

And the screen itself--slightly curvy, like the whole case--is perfectly viewable and stands up to criticisms of being too small. 

Obviously, it's not made for watching movies for hours, but it's acceptable--enjoyable, even--for watching music videos, short clips or even TV episodes.  It supports H.264 and MPEG-4, as well as JPEG for photos.

Genius: yep … Shaker: less so   

Activating the Genius option via iTunes allows your Nano to select tracks which are--in theory at least--complementary. 

The results are based on what other users have in their iTunes libraries, and can therefore sometimes be a little surprising.

But isn't the sign of a good DJ the ability to entertain you with unexpected treats?

As for the shake-to-shuffle functionality, it's a lot more frustrating.

It doesn't seem to work when you do want to change track, but as soon as you slip the Nano into your bag without thinking to lock it first it
 
It's a cute idea, but we were pleased to learn that it's easy to disactivate.

Could do better

This is a good MP3 player, but not quite a great one.

A treat to use and very reliable, it still lacks one of our most sought-after features, an FM tuner. 

It does demonstrate an improved sound quality, but, once again, we have to advise you to abandon those famous white headphones.

Badly shaped to fit your ears and with a frankly mediocre sound quality, you'd do better to get something better. 

Why don't you try our Product Survey: Headphones for starters?