How small is too small? Size does matter

posted Thursday, November 09, 2006 4:29:00 PM by Jeff

Filed under: Gadgets

I think the new iPod Nano is amazing, and a wonderful size. The first time I picked one up, it seemed just right.

The new iPod Shuffle, though, seems almost too small to be useful, and it feels like it will inevitably lost. Did Apple cross a line at that point on size? I guess it depends on who you ask.

This is a topic I've had some experience on recently with wireless phones. I was sitting in a meeting with a co-worker, and as he squirmed around in his chair, his shiny new Motorola Razr phone kept slipping out of his pocket. He was clearly very annoyed. The next day, he showed up with a wrist strap dangly thing on it to, as he put it, "Give it some bulk."

I've always bought covers for my phones, and when I bought a very typical Samsung last year, did the same. It has a little nub on the back to put it on a rotating belt clip. Today I figured I'd just take it off, because I wasn't sure I really needed it.

Something weird happened then. The very next text message I sent was all wrong. As it turned out, the phone was too small to handle and peck keys on quickly since it was smaller without the phone condom over it. And sure enough, I noticed it wouldn't stay put in my pocket either.

I suspect that industrial designer types are going to need to pay attention to this. Just because you can make a device smaller doesn't mean that you should.

Digg!

Comments:

# Tommy | 11/10/2006 3:45 AM

I think the iPod nano, especially the second gen nano, is just about too thin for my liking. I have a case for my nano to add some bulk to it, not to mention the obvious protection the nano needs. I can't help but wonder if these super-thin gadgets are created to drive the accessory market (cases, etc.)

The Katana phone (think plastic Moto Razr) is the perfect size and thickness for me. Not thin enough that I feel I can snap it, but not so thick that its making an outline in my pants inside my pocket.

My point... I dunno. There will never be a one-size-fits-all gadget size.

# rablat5 | 12/19/2006 6:18 PM

I can agree with you on cell phones being too small. These RAZRs have been so popular, but to me, I just don't like the feel of it for function's sake. My LG VX8100 fits into my hand nicely.

As for iPods, I like the new Nanos. They seem to be a nice size and weight when it comes to portable music players. If it had more memory, I might have considered replacing my regular iPod with one.

I have a 1st-gen Shuffle, and its size seems fine. The new one is way small--not sure how good that will actually be. I do like that it has an aluminum casing, though.

# Brooke | 7/24/2007 4:37 PM

I would have to agree with the size of the iPod shuffle.... it to small. I also think that the shuffles need so have a screen so you are able to know which song your listening to.

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