iPod Touch 2G

Apples “funnest” iPod ever, recently got a new owner, and a happy one at that. This is the latest generation of the iPod touch, with 32GB. Considering that one of my lecturers was constanly giving it negative feedback, I was hesitant in buying one at first. But he was the only person I talked to that had one and wasn’t happy with it. The others praised its 3.5″ touch screen, its high quality music playback, the ever-increasing library of third party applications, and its Wi-Fi connectivity. Recently my old 5th Gen iPod Video failed, and I decided I needed a new one, especially for the commmute to college daily. So I went to the Apple store and forked out €369 for the newest and “funnest” iPod ever!

One of the first things to notice about the iPod Touch is that it isn’t really an iPod. Its more of a handheld computer. It plays music great, but it can do much more. I now have my iPod check all my e-mail’s rather than opening a browser. Speaking of browsers, the Safari that is included in this superb. It beats IE in the acid3 test (not a challenging feat), getting a 72/100, a score not to be taken lightly. It has some errors reading pages, but its the best mobile browser I’ve used.

The App Store, introduced with v2.0 Firmware, gives the end user the option to customize and use the iPod to the best of its capabilities. You can play games and music on it,keep in contact with friends with Facebook App, increase your intelligence and productivity with Stanza and Flashlight. Even Apple’s own applications areamazing.  The iTunes Store built into the iPod allows you to buy music, download podcasts, all on the go, meaning that if you hear a song on the radio. You can find that song on iTunes and download it within seconds. And with the iTunes Store, now selling DRM-free, you can play them on your other PMP’s and devices.

Apple really perfected the iPod’s touch screen, but it does need a bit of getting used to. The 3.5″ screen is perfect for watching a movie in a car or on a plane, but it does wear down the battery alot. Apple really need to improve on this the next time around or they might fall behind.

Another failure on Apples part is the price. I knew Apple were always a little higher than everyone else, but there is a limit as to how far a joke can go. €369 is too much for an iPod. I suppose if I see it as an investment, a way to cure boredom for four hours a day, it doesnt seem so bad.

I wanted to keep things in general as I dont want to exclude people who might want the iPod 1g, but the 2nd generation iPod has features such as built-in speaker, external volume controls, slimmer frame and built-in Nike+ support for all you sporting people. The speaker is mediocre at best, possibly because its hidden, but it does sound muffled. Its probably best used for showing a Youtube video to someone or letting someone hear a song.

The iPod Touch is not the perfect Portable Media Player, but it does whats advertised, and it does it well. Its great for what I want, maybe Apple could just make it a little bit cheaper, especially in these times.

Pros:

• The Screen
• Internet conectivity
• Music playback
• Apps

Cons

• The price
• The battery
• Easy to scratch