Apple iPod Nano 5th Generation Black (8 GB) MP3 Player

I'm surprised at the crappiness of the build-quality and usability of this iPod.

I have the first nano and "upgraded" to the 5th generation minutes after they announced it officially at the confernce in early September.
I ordered the iPod on the day it was released. Went on a trip, and started using it solidly about 2 weeks ago. I use it while working out only (running on the treadmill) and occassionally to fall asleep while listening (I put it under my pillow).


1. The edges of the screen and the buttons do not line up flush with the meeting edge of the case.
Summary:
Because the device is so slim and smooth, everything must line up flush to preserve continuity between the surfaces. This was my first red flag, and I noticed it right out of the box.
Detail:
If you run your finger across the screen from side to side, you'll feel a sharp edge where the screen meets the metal case on the right side - the screen is not flush with the case, so there is an edge exposed.
If you do the same with the button, you feel another edge, also on the right side.


2. Using the buttons is tedious and difficult.
Summary:
Adjusting the volume often results in changing the song by accident. Forwarding a song often results in stopping playback.
Detail:
It's almost as if the buttons on my device are broken, it is THAT awkward. You have to be EXTREMELY careful about your finger placement or you will execute a command you did not intend.
Additional:
Because of the large screen coupled with the low placement of the buttons and the sleek formfactor, holding the device and operating it with one hand is very hard. I always have to hold it with a second hand to feel safe that I am not going to drop it, and also to steady it while I laser-target my finger touches so as not to fudge my listening experience by hitting the wrong thing. By comparison, I never had this problem, not in the slightest, with the First iPod Nano, neither in button placement or usage.

3. The Paint is already chipping
Summary:
Yes, already. I did not drop it. I didn't carry it in a purse/bag/pocket with keys that could cause damage - nothing. While I run on the treadmill I put it in the tray and use the headphone volume control (annoying but I do it). It seems to have just started chipping from normal wear against clothes
Detail:
It's in a corner where you'd expect the wear to occur, but not after just a couple weeks of babying. I think the way I treat my electronics can be illustrated by the fact that my iPod 1G is still running, with zero damage aside from a single scratch on the back in the chrome. I bought it what 3 or 4 years ago?  

4. Battery life is ultra crap
Basically, it has to be charged after about 1 hour of play time. My 1g by comparison can run for many hours without a recharge. I don't know how many hours it can last cuz battery life was never an issue for it. I just used it a couple workouts, and a couple nights, then charged it. Instead, my listening is now actually impacted by the short battery life.

In sum, after two weeks of use and maybe a total of about 8 - 10 hours listening, I'm disappointed and contemplating a return as I prefer my First gen much more.

The fancy software doesn't really make up for it since to use the fancy software, you have to get past the faults in the hardware.

Update 11/04/09:
As I mentioned, I listen to the headphones mostly to workout and sleep. The left headphone is already buzzing/rattling. The sound is ok, so I think the headphone construction is causing the speaker to rattle against the inside. I listen to these to sleep, and workout. Clearly I do not blast Arvo Part, Debussy, or Philip Glass while I sleep.
I know the headphones were included "free" but it's just one more crappy piece of hardware that adds to my overall disappointment.