iPod Touch
When Apple announced the iPhone last year I had to have it. I was practically in love with the touch interface and I was already in the market for a new MP3 player. Unfortunately, Apple is in cahoots with AT&T/Cingular for the actual cellular contracts and that left me out in the cold because I’m in an area without AT&T service.
Thankfully, Apple decided to release the iPod Touch in the fall of last year. I immediately bought mine the second it was released. As of the latest 1.1.3 upgrade, the iPod Touch finally includes all of the multimedia features of the iPhone and can live up to its description as an “iPhone without the phone.”
I’ve been using my iPod Touch everyday for a few months now. Here’s a list of what I consider to be its advantages and disadvantages over an ordinary iPod.
Advantages
• The interface is truly incredible. It’s so easy to navigate and use that it should come as no surprise that the device doesn’t even ship with a user’s manual.
• The form factor of the iPod touch is something you have to see and feel to believe. It’s actually thinner than the iPhone and is extremely light even with its glass front.
• While the ability to hold movies and photos is a nice feature what really sets the Touch above the other iPods is its web browser. The web browser on the Touch is nearly identical to the same web browser, Safari, that comes with every Mac computer.
Disadvantages
• The iPod Touch comes with two different capacities: 8 GB or 16 GB. That’s a drop in the bucket compared to the other iPod releases. This is the price you pay for trying to be on the cutting edge. I’m sure future versions will have much more storage space.
• The latest firmware upgrade includes programs for email, stocks and maps but can only be unlocked after paying a $20 fee. It may or may not be worth it since all of those features can realistically be accessed using the web browser already included for free.
• The Touch is packed with Internet-enabled features but it requires a wifi connection. The iPhone can run on wifi or the EDGE network so the Internet is essentially available everywhere. You don’t have that luxury with the iPod Touch.
So would I recommend an iPod Touch?
Absolutely… if you don’t already own an iPod.
While the storage is very limited for the hardcore audiophiles I think most people would be surprised to discover they can live just fine with 16 GB. The interface is, like I’ve mentioned several times, absolutely amazing. The built-in, fully functional web browser is the icing on the cake for this device.
Once you take into account that it can play movies and store photos right out of the box it’s hard not to buy one. For an extra $20, you can get email, maps and stock programs that bring extra functionality not found on any other MP3 player on the market today.
The iPod Touch certainly isn’t for everyone but if you’re in the market for a new MP3 player and you love having the latest and greatest gadget you should give it strong consideration.