Touch Screen iPod Nanos?

[iMacmatician]

am i alone in thinking the issues could be addressed simply by placing a full touch screen on the front as speculated and a tactile click wheel in the back. in the nano form factor i think that it could work - however what would the added cost of production be? too high? and potentially make the nano thicker which could be a negative given the focus on the size in the nano line.... thought? am i just crazy?

Apple placed a patent for this a while ago, I believe.

 

[eb201]

am i alone in thinking the issues could be addressed simply by placing a full touch screen on the front as speculated and a tactile click wheel in the back. in the nano form factor i think that it could work - however what would the added cost of production be? too high? and potentially make the nano thicker which could be a negative given the focus on the size in the nano line.... thought? am i just crazy?

I don't see this as being aesthetically pleasing, which seems to be very important to Apple. The iPod would look a little strange with buttons on all sides. Also, wouldn't it be a little difficult to navigate on the front with a wheel on the back. This may not be a problem for others but I would find it inconvenient.

 

[Apple Ink]

Touchscreen with a wheel is very enchanting but might "MIGHT" not happen as Apple already has a brilliant Mobile touch interface and no point in creating another! [I myself am having anti thoughts as I type this]

But the Wheel (click or not I dont know) is trademark of the iPods and something that differentiates them from the rest of the World's junk! Its NOT going anytime soon!

 

[eb201]

I agree, but if the next iPod Nano has a touch screen, it will not have a click wheel. I believe the click wheel will remain on iPods like the iPod Classic, which should be around for quite a while.