Review: Using the iPod Nano as a Watch [video]

With all the news going around as to how iPod nano is actually an iWatch without a strap, no one has actually bothered to sharing the experience of using it as one – until now. Watch Report have done a pretty comprehensive video review of the iPod nano as a watch and come out with a list of pros and cons for such usage.

They labeled it as gimmicky, which it obviously is since it isn’t intended to be used as a watch by Apple. They didn’t advertise it as one. But either by chance or maybe due to some secret intent by Apple, it is usable as a watch to an extent. The biggest problem with using it as a watch is that you have to charge it. I’m sure most of us aren’t used to charging our watches. The visibility is poor under sunlight and it’s not water proof either. You also have to turn it on every time you want to check the time. Check out the video for the complete review:

Here’s the complete list of pros and cons of using iPod nano as a watch:

The good:

• Music, audio books, and radio right on your wrist. If you already use a smart phone, this probably doesn’t impress you much, but if you don’t, you might like the convergence.
• Easy time synchronization. Your computer probably calibrates its clock against a time server which, in turn, probably calibrates against an atomic clock. Every time you sync your iPod with your computer, the iPod’s time is updated, so it should stay pretty accurate as long as you sync it fairly regularly.
• It’s relatively small. At .74 ounces and roughly 1.5″ square, it’s actually pretty compact by today’s watch standards.
• Adequately functional. It has day/date on the face, and it also has a stopwatch and a countdown timer.
• Configurable watch face. Choose between white or black.

The bad:

• Not water-resistant. Even an impromptu water fight might be enough to ruin your iWatch.
• You have to remember to charge it. If you already sync your iPod frequently, this probably won’t be a problem, but if you don’t, charging your watch is just one more thing you will have to remember to do.
• Not good in direct sunlight. Since it has a backlit screen, it’s very hard to read in direct sunlight. On the other hand, it works great in the dark.
• Can’t just glance at the time. Checking the time means actually turning the iPod on. Since you have to reach over and hit a button anyway, it might be just as easy to pull out your phone.
• You’re only supposed to use it in temperatures between 32° and 95°F (-20° to 45°C). That means no wearing your iWatch while shoveling snow in the winter or doing yard work in the summer — at least where I live.

Still want to try the iWatch gimmick? Let us know in the comments!