Small and Compact – If you’re looking for the best ipod for running, the shuffle is the smallest iPod yet. Coming in at a miniscule 1.8 inches (45.2mm) in height and 0.7 mm in width; the iPod shuffle is the size of a door key. Its slim line shape makes it easy to carry as you run. At only 17.2 grams it’s light and barely noticeable as you clip it onto your running clothing or wear it around your neck as you train

Easy access controls – The controls for this tiny gadget are on the earpiece, making it easy to skip tracks and change volume whilst you’re exercising – much more convenient than having to stop mid-run, fiddle about with wires, or fish around in your pockets just to skip a song.

Up to 1000 songs! – The shuffle offers a choice of 2GB or 4GB memory. 4GB of memory gives you up to 1000 songs, and has room for multiple play lists. Perfect for any running distance or running route – whether you’re going for a gentle jog, a fast paced sprint or a long hard slog!

No Display Screen – Whilst the shuffle is great for being small and compact, it’s not so great if you’re looking for a specific song, or have downloaded any training visuals to help you throughout your run.

Memory – 4GB is more than enough to listen to whilst you’re running, however probably isn’t enough space to store your entire music collection, meaning that you need to spend more time on itunes refining your play lists and less time enjoying listening to the songs that you love.

Streamline and Compact – Not quite as small as the iPod shuffle but still pretty streamlined and easy to run with. The Nano is less than 1 cm in depth – just 6.2mm in fact, with such a wide variety of armbands and iPod running accessories available, its easy to carry, light and durable so you’ll barely notice it whilst exercising and can concentrate on enjoying your run.

Memory – with up to 16GB of Flash memory available, the Nano is the perfect gadget to hold your entire music collection – both a home, and when out running or training.

Display Screen – perfect for searching for that ultimate motivational running track, or for watching training videos and tips – especially stretching and cool down videos which can come in really handy at the end of your training session.

iPod Running Kit – Did you know that your iPod Nano also doubles up as a Pedometer to help you keep track of your fitness goals? iPod have teamed up with Nike+ to develop the Nike+ Sports Kit. This ingenious piece of technology tracks your progress throughout each run and then feeds back to you the results, including your speed, distance and pace.

Controls – unfortunately the controls for the Nano are not as accessible whilst running as the shuffle – especially if the Nano is tucked away in an MP3 pocket within your running kit or into an armband.

Size – if you’re planning on running with the Nano, then you do need an accessory of some sort as it’s still too bulky to simply clip on to your clothing or wear on a string around your neck. Luckily, there is a huge array of Nano Armbands available, keeping your iPod and its wires out of the way whilst you run. As well as armbands, many items of running clothing and sportswear now have built in MP3 pockets, perfect for keeping your ipod safe and secure whilst you train.