Longer running, brighter-screen, five-colour ali iPod nanos

The news

We must have just been TOO excited after Apple's recent "special event" - see Apple movie downloads (US only) & network media player (yawn). Anyway, that's the excuse we're using to explain why we're only now giving details of the iPod nano media players that CEO Steve Jobs also unveiled in San Franciso and still haven't posted the promised videos and stills of iTunes 7.

Jobs claimed that the nano had become the most popular player in the world and seemed confident that continued success would be delivered by the new-generation model with its even thinner profile, aluminium (rather than plastic) body, claimed extended battery life (up to 24 hours from 14), "40 per cent brighter display" and choice of five metallic finishes.

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Models in three solid-state storage capacities are on offer - 2GB (£99 inc VAT and silver only), 4GB (£129 and all finishes apart from white or black) and 8GB (£169 and black only).

As with the video iPod, the nanos have new Search and Quick Scroll control features - said to me make it far easier to locate tracks - and come with redesigned earphones claimed to provide "superior comfort, fit and sound quality". A USB 2.0 cable is also provided. Check out the full nano spec here.

An accompanying range of optional accessories is also available, taking in a docking station (£19), USB power adapter (£19), lanyard headphones (£25) and armband (£19).

Required spec for PC integration are Mac (OSX 10.3.9+) or Windows machines (XP SP2 or 2K SP4) with iTunes 7.0+ and a USB 2.0 port, plus internet access for downloads.