I've run with a classic (which has never skipped or given me any problems through 8 marathon training cycles), but I now run with my iPhone. When I'm out on remote trails, it's just smart to have a cell phone with you...and I used to run with both an iPod AND a phone...so, this was the best way to cut down on the "stuff" I bring with me on long runs. For shorter runs, I think the Nano would do it for me. The touch is really better suited to all the different apps that are out there. If you're just looking to have music along with you for your runs, I'd totally go for the nano.

I stopped running with my iPhone when I discovered that there are moving parts in its hard drive, which can damage your phone for good. I run with my Nano and Nike+ now.

Well this news came as a shock to me but the Apple store rep said that this the reason why Nike+ does not work for the iPhone b/c it has moving parts and not designed for running.

This is just opinion, but I like to workout almost everyday. I am a fire fighter, and there was a guy in my station who asked the same question. Yes they are similarly, and yes they are different. Here is the bottom line. How often do you workout, and listen to music as you do it? Do you listen to music at home while cleaning, hanging out, just relaxing? This is what I told him, get the touch. When it comes to memory space, and music, you want more than you are going to need. You never know how long you are going to be listening to music, and where. The touch gives the chance to have so much music, create many place list for your moods. And to me that was very important. I will listen to different music  while lifting weights, compared to running, and cycling. I know this is long, but here is my point. He bought the nano, and realized that he started hearing the same songs over, and over, because of the memory space. Yes there are all kinds of added features on the touch, and maybe you will start to us them later. But it is better to have and not need, than it is to no have, and want.  :). He later bought the touch, and apologized for not getting it in the first place. So he ended up spending more money later.          GET THE TOUCH! 

P.S.   There are many different caring cases for the touch. it really is not heavy, or bulky.

For the ipod shuffle - can you see the different songs on screen and play whichever songs you want? Or, does it just shuffle whatever is on there and you can't control it?

Thanks!