I previously had an video iPod 30GB, it was uncompact, unable to clip during exercise and was exceptionally hard to fill with music.

The iPod nano is nothing like this, do not let the smallness of it put you off, this iPod supplies big things.
The best feature is most probably the outer design which allows for a compact easy to place exterior, for example when I'm working out I have no problems when my nano is clipped to my shorts, the two buttons for volume on the to allow for quick change of volume at an easily acessbile rate.

The contents within the actual nano is also incredibly easy to use, even my parents can use it and they are not the most technologically gifted. The timeline that slides across the screen allows for a tidy way to store your music, podcasts and audiobooks in an orderly fashion.

Also do not be fooled in thinking that 8GB is small, it is not! You will have trouble filling this iPod but I am sure it is a trouble worth having.