Should I buy an iPhone armband or just get an iPod shuffle for running?

I seldom use the iPod function of my iPhone for that and other reasons.

My "iPod"s are Sandisk Clips -- chosen because I can drag-and-drop music and audio book mp3 files into them from either a Mac or a PC without going thru iTunes. They are small, relatively cheap, run about 20 hrs on a charge (charge is via standard mini usb connector, as are transfers) and have a display.

Phil

I'm concerned that the iPhone is such a sophisticated piece of equipment that running with it could at some point jar its innards somehow.

Considering the the 3GS has Nike+ built in, I's say it's safe to run with, though I wouldn't go out in the rain with it.

Matt

Hi! The biggest danger is losing/dropping it (buy insurance) and getting it wet as in a shower. I'd keep a sandwich zip lock bad for days that it might rain. But more seriously is the need to keep a phone with you in case of an emergency especially if you run alone. Tom

uahjustin says: Anyone else considered the first alternative? And the shuffle also has a clip that you can attach to your shorts, correct?

I have been running with the 2nd gen. Shuffle since November of 2006. I'm still using the stock earbuds and have never had an issue with this device. I either wear it clipped to my running shorts, with the cord running under my shirt or I clip it to the back of a hat with the cord coiled inside the hat.

I bought an armband sport case for my iPhone and ran with it one time. First off, I made the mistake of leaving it in iPod mode as I began to run. The shake-to-shuffle mode had it skipping tracks every couple of steps. That was just user error. I didn't like the weight of the device on my arm and I didn't like the amount of sweat that built up under the neoprene strap.

Granted I cannot make a phone call in case of emergency on my runs, however I have found the 2nd gen. Shuffle to be bullet proof.

I've not considered the Shuffle for my runs...but may go to a Nano down the road if nobody comes up with an armband case for the 3Gs that will accommodate a phone with a "skin" case already on it.

The armband cases I've found thus far aren't all that "friendly" if you want to switch to something else after your run. And I don't know anyone who'd want to leave the armband case on all day.

Still looking for an armband case that will accept an iPhone 3Gs with an Incase Slider case on it.

For minimum money, I would vote for the shuffle. I think the IP is just a bit heavy for running workouts. I would rather save it for more important work.

Personally, I went the costlier route and just picked up a new 16gb Nano for $130. Sorry, I'm not sure where I bought the item (eBay I think). Works great for what I want (running and boating). I DO carry a regular cell phone also in case I need it.

Yes, I'll admit it's a more expensive solution, as the extra phone adds 10 bucks a month to my family plan. With my previous 3G, I went "naked" and used it for all my activities.

I have a 4GB black shuffle i got as a gift that I will never use. Someone make me an offer.