My initial impressions were of a nicely packaged accessory. Nike has put together a receiver, accelerometer, and custom firmware to create an inexpensive way to turn your iPod into a workout tool. There is also a website and a whole line of clothing to support this accessory. Or is it the other way around? Does the Nike+ kit exist solely to sell more clothing and drive repeat purchase of Nike shoes?

The Nike+ only works with the iPod mini. It's supposedly supported on all generations of the mini. I purchased one of the latest generation 8 gig iPod minis with video. I also purchased an Apple armband and an Amphipod Nike+ sensor holder for my Brooks shoes. I plugged in and updated iTunes and the firmware, plugged in the receiver, hooked the sensor snugly into my laces and took off for a 60 minute run.

The first thing I noticed was how nice it was to take music on my runs again. I stopped listening to music when my son grew up and started talking to me while I was running. It was partly influenced by the crappy headphones on my smartphone at the time as well. I refused to buy a separate MP3 player because the Audiovox had a decent player that I had installed. When that phone died, I switched to a Sony Walkman phone thinking it would have a decent MP3 player, but the playlist editor sucked. It couldn't access the flash card to build playlists. That broke me and I finally caved and got the iPod.

The Nike+ interface is simple. Once running, pressing the center button gets you your current stats read out to you in either a male or female voice. Holding the center button starts your "Power Song." A song that you've previously selected to give you some extra kick at one of those tough moments.

At the end of a run, you press menu and select end workout. You'll hear a summary of your run. If you've achieved a new accomplishment either Lance Armstrong or Paula Radcliffe will congratulate you. I was a little started the first time this happened at the end of an early morning run.