It’s a very clever idea and boy, does it look cool. The sixth generation iPod nano is exactly the same size as a watch face and because Apple included a classic clock mode within their new MP3 player, it can tell time too. The iWatchz strap, launching this week as part of an exclusive deal at Best Buy, provides the missing band and adjustable buckle so you can wear it as a wristwatch, one that can play MP3s, displays photos, and has a built-in AM radio.

 

At $30 you can probably guess what I’m going to tell you, that the strap is made of thin, moulded rubber and the clasp and hinges are made of light metal. It’ll be familiar to anyone who has ever owned a low-priced or novelty wristwatch. While the rubber is flexible and comfortable enough, these materials won’t take heavy abuse. This is not a sports band, nor is it designed for everyday use over the course of years. This is designed for fun and fashion.

The good news is that the “Slide & Click” system, a plastic tray which uses the nano’s own metallic clip to grab hold of the band through two tracks, is solid. Once in place, the nano will never fall off by accident. It even takes some effort just to remove it again. The plastic base is wide enough to keep the nano’s buttons from sticking out, protecting them from abuse, while still giving access to them and the 30-pin connector for syncing and charging.

Apple’s classic clock app is beautiful. You can choose to have either a white or black face and the analog movements are elegant across a back-lit screen. Of course the screen times-out and so if you want to check the time you’ll need to press a button to wake it up. Listening to music is a compromise too, you can plug your earbuds in, but having a cable between your ears and wrist can be a problem if you need to use your hands for complex tasks. I’ve used it for long walks and to listen to music while reading and find the cable is manageable. It would help if the nano had Bluetooth to support wireless headphones and perhaps we’ll see that in the seventh generation nano.

The iWatchz band is for fun. It’s about the shock it gives others when they see it light up on your wrist and the way you can use its touchscreen to move through its features. It’s made to be comfortable and to hold onto your nano tight, so you won’t lose it. Available in seven different colours, it’s easy to recommend as a fashion accessory or piece of novel geekery.