Apple iPod touch 8 GB (4th Generation)

 

Product Description

iPod touch has great new applications. It lets you shoot scenes in HD or play games on the highest-resolution iPod screen ever. In fact, iPod touch has so much technology, you’ll forget it’s an iPod. You can open PDF, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel attachments. With Maps, it helps you find your location and get directions from there on a map, a satellite image, or a combination of both. You can make Web Clips for your Home screen so you can visit your favorite websites in just one tap. It lets you fill up to nine Home screen pages with Web Clips and arrange them however you like. You can browse YouTube videos, follow your stocks, check the weather, and take notes. With the new iPod touch, tap into even more.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #9 in Network Media Player
• Size: 8 GB
• Color: Black
• Brand: Apple
• Model: MC540LL/A
• Released on: 2010-11-10
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 4.40" h x 2.30" w x .28" l, .22 pounds
• CPU: PowerPC G4 2.1 GHz
• Memory: 2000000MB SDRAM
• Hard Disk: 8GB
• Processors: 1
• Display size: 3.5

Features

• 8 GB capacity for about 2,000 songs, 10,000 photos, or 10 hours of video
• Up to 40 hours of audio playback or 7 hours of video playback on a single charge
• Support for AAC, Protected AAC (iTunes Store) and other audio formats; H.264, MPEG-4,
• One-year limited warranty
• iPod touch has 8 GB capacity for about 2,000 songs, 10,000 photos, or 10 hours of video.
• iPod touch has a 3.5-inch (diagonal) widescreen Multi-Touch display with 960-by-640-pixel resolution (326 pixels per inch).
• iPod touch has one-year limited warranty.
• IPod touch plays up to 40 hours of audio playback or 7 hours of video playback on a single charge.
• Motion JPEG video codecs in M4V, MP4, MOV, and AVI formats
• iPod touch supports for AAC, Protected AAC (iTunes Store) and other audio formats, H.264, MPEG-4, and Motion JPEG video codecs in M4V, MP4, MOV, and AVI formats.

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Product Description

The world's most popular portable gaming device is even more fun. Now available in black and white, iPod touch includes iOS 5 with over 200 new features, like iMessage, Notification Center, and Twitter integration. Send free, unlimited text messages over Wi-Fi with iMessage. Record HD video and make FaceTime calls. Visit the App Store to choose from over 500,000 apps. iPod touch also features iCloud, which stores your music, photos, apps, and moreÑand wirelessly pushes them to all your devices.

On the front of iPod touch is a built-in camera perfect for making FaceTime video calls.

FaceTime. Oh, I see what you're saying.

Video calling on iPod touch means your friends can see what you're up to, when you're up to it. With a tap, you can call someone on an iPhone, iPad 2, iPod touch, or Mac over Wi-Fi. And come face-to-face with even more fun.

Tap for a more instant, instant message.

Take "LOL" to the next level and actually see friends laughing. Or bring "XOXO" to life when you blow someone a kiss from miles away. FaceTime on iPod touch makes it possible. FaceTime works right out of the box--just enter your Apple ID and email address. Or create a new email account just for FaceTime. Using FaceTime is as easy as it gets. Say you want to start a video call with your best friend over Wi-Fi. Just tap the FaceTime app and find her entry to start the call. An invitation pops up on her screen asking if she wants to join you. When she accepts, FaceTime begins. It's all perfectly seamless. And it works in both portrait and landscape. See how much fun you can have.

Two cameras make either side its fun side.

iPod touch has two built-in cameras, one on the front above the display and one on the back. The front camera has been tuned for FaceTime. It has just the right field of view and focal length to focus on your face at arm's length. So it always presents you in the best possible light. Which is especially handy when you're talking to someone who's more than just a friend.

The back camera. See and share.

So your friend is sick with a cold and can't make it to the concert. You can share the encore with a FaceTime call. As the band takes the stage and starts playing one of her all-time favorite songs, just tap a button. And before the lead singer can belt out his first note, iPod touch switches to the back camera and to the sure-to-be-legendary performance. Another tap switches to the front camera and to you. Simple, fast, and fun.

Camera with HD Video Recording. Ready, and action.

The next great Internet meme could be yours. iPod touch and its HD video camera go with you everywhere, so you can capture every "What the?" moment that comes your way.

Trim a little off the ends. Or the middle.

No need to wait until you're back at your computer to edit video. With basic editing built into iPod touch, you can get right down to business. Just drag to select start and end points on a filmstrip. Keep only the parts of the video you want, and turn it into something you and your friends will watch again and again.

iPod touch features a second camera on the back, which lets you shoot amazing 720p HD video.

Special guest star: iMovie.

You're on an epic road trip, and you want to create a video postcard of everything you've seen and done. Just use the iMovie app--pick it up on the App Store for just $4.99. Built for Multi-Touch, iMovie lets you combine and edit video clips, give them that extra something with dynamic themes, add music and photos, and share your finished movies with the world.

This is so going on YouTube.

Maybe you're in the middle of texting a friend or browsing the web when you look up and suddenly see something that words just can't describe. Launch the camera and record on the fly. Then upload your HD movie directly to YouTube. Or select some video from the Camera Roll and attach it to a new email message, ready to send. Posting to your Facebook page or blog is also just a tap away.

Two cameras. Countless photo ops.

A really cool piece of graffiti art. A cupcake too cute to eat. Your cat camouflaged by stuffed animals. If you want to take a quick photo to post on Twitter, either camera on iPod touch can also capture stills. Use grid lines, pinch-to-zoom gestures, and single-tap exposure lock to compose the perfect shot. Then tap to tweet at will.

Retina Display. Seeing is still not believing.

Thanks to the Retina display, everything you see and do on iPod touch looks amazing. That's because the Retina display's pixel density is so high your eye is unable to distinguish individual pixels. Which means images in games, movies, and photos pop off the screen. Text in books, web pages, and email is crisp at any size. And everything is sharper. No wonder it's called "cutting edge."

When iPod came on the scene years ago, it was all about music--and it still is. Enjoy your favorite tunes, whether it's on headphones or wirelessly over AirPlay.

More wow per inch.

Behind the screen of iPod touch, there's some serious technology going on. By developing pixels a mere 78 micrometers wide, Apple engineers were able to pack four times the number of pixels into the same size screen found on earlier iPod touch models. This many pixels packed this close together--326 per inch--make graphics and text look smooth and continuous at any size. Prepare to be glued to the screen.

LED backlighting.

The Retina display includes LED backlighting and an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts the brightness of the screen for the best viewing and battery life possible. So you can focus on more important things. Like destroying aliens.

AirPlay. Broadcast live to your HDTV and speakers.

With AirPlay, you can wirelessly stream what's on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to your HDTV and speakers via Apple TV. That's gonna go over big.

Give your photos and video the big-screen treatment.

You have great photos on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and some friends on your couch. Or you're in the middle of an epic action scene that could use a little more screen. Tap the AirPlay icon on your iOS 5 device from a specific app--Photos, Videos, or Safari, for example--and everything streams to your HDTV via your Apple TV.* Make sure both your device and Apple TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, and the AirPlay icon appears automatically.

DJ wirelessly.

AirPlay isn't just for photos, movies, and apps. It's for your music, too. A song, an album, a favorite playlist--if it's on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, you can stream it to your home entertainment speakers via Apple TV. Because rocking out is always more fun in surround sound.

Your speakers and AirPlay. Perfectly in tune.

Conduct a symphony, chill with an indie band, or put on a rock concert--anywhere in the house. Connect any speaker you own to an AirPort Express. Or stream directly to AirPlay-enabled speakers from manufacturers like Denon, Marantz, B&W, JBL, and iHome. Your iOS device automatically detects your speakers: Just tap the ones you want to use. Since it all happens wirelessly, you have the freedom to cue the tunes from wherever you happen to be sitting, standing, or dancing.

Music. The DNA of iPod touch.

Your workouts, your cram sessions, your commute, your late-night dance party of one, your ever-present need to drown out the noise around you. It's your music that keeps you going. And you know what respects that? iPod touch.

Turn iPod touch on its side and glide through your music by album art with the flick of your finger.

A work of album art.

What a song does for your ears, Cover Flow on iPod touch does for your eyes and fingers. Turn iPod touch on its side and glide through your music by album art with the flick of your finger. Tap an album cover to flip it over and display a track list. Tap again to start the music.

From one great song comes an even greater playlist.

Songs in your library get a newfound rhythm thanks to Genius. When you're listening to a track you love and want to hear others that go great with it, let Genius take over. It finds complementary songs you own and makes a Genius playlist for you. Listen to the playlist right away, save it for later, or even refresh it and give it another go. Count on Genius to create a playlist you wouldn't have thought of yourself.

A genius of a mix.

Genius acts as your personal DJ. All you do is sync iPod touch to iTunes, and Genius automatically searches your library to find songs that sound great together. Then it creates multiple mixes you'll love because it's entirely your music. Genius Mixes are like stations tuned precisely to your taste. They're a great way to rediscover songs you haven't heard in forever--and some you forgot you had.

Shake it like you mean it.

The next time you're listening to your tunes, turn on Shake to Shuffle, then give iPod touch a shake to shuffle to a different song in your music library. It's just another way iPod touch keeps your music feeling fresh.

It's hard to be bored when you have instant access to over 500,000 apps, including the latest in gaming titles.

If it's entertaining, it's on iTunes.

Add songs and music videos to your iPod touch from iTunes on your computer. Or buy and download new music on your iPod touch over Wi-Fi with the iTunes app. When you do, iCloud automatically downloads it to all your devices over Wi-Fi or 3G. So everything new appears everywhere--on your iPad, iPhone, Mac, or PC. You can also browse your purchase history and choose specific songs or albums to download again at no additional cost. Sign up for iTunes Match and you can access all your other music from iCloud--including music you've imported from CDs or purchased somewhere other than iTunes. For just $24.99 a year.

Games + Apps. What iPod touch was made for.

It's hard to be bored when you have instant access to over 500,000 apps. Available in almost every category, they're just a tap away at the App Store. And when it comes to games and entertainment titles--over 100,000 and counting--no other platform comes close to iPod touch. Which probably explains why it's the world's most popular portable gaming device.

iOS. The world's most advanced mobile operating system.

Running the show on every iPod touch, iPhone, and iPad is iOS. It lets you browse, read, and see everything just by touching the screen. It also includes all the fun, powerful, and innovative built-in apps you use every day, many times a day. And the latest version, iOS 5, is packed with over 200 exciting new features that will make you say, "Best. iPod. Ever." Here are a few of our favorite new features in iOS 5:

iOS 5 is packed with over 200 exciting new features--such as iMessage, pictured above--that will make you say, "Best. iPod. Ever."

• iMessage
  Now you can be all "I was allÉ" and "She was allÉ" all you want. Send unlimited text messages to any iOS 5 device free over Wi-Fi with iMessage.
• Notification Center
  You're about to beat the final boss. Now's not the time for an alert to get in the way. And it won't, thanks to Notification Center.
• Game Center
  Get ready to rumble. Game Center lets you play against friends and people you don't know. And it recommends new games and new opponents.
• Twitter Integration
  Twitter users rejoice. iOS 5 adds Twitter capabilities to Safari, Photos, Camera, YouTube, and Maps, so you can tweet directly from them.
• Reminders
  Forget much? Reminders can fix that for you. Create lists of things to do or remember, set a deadline, and Reminders sends you an alert.
• Safari
  Web articles minus the ads. What bliss. Tap the Reader button in Safari and ads disappear. Add article links to Reading List and read them later.
• Photos
  Photo Stream in iCloud stores all your latest photos and pushes them wirelessly to your other devices. So every pic is everywhere.
• PC Free
  You can activate and set up your iPod touch wirelessly, right out of the box. Without the need for a Mac or PC.
• Newsstand
  A magazine rack that's just for you. That's the idea behind Newsstand. Find all your publications here and even subscribe to new ones.

iCloud. Your content. On all your devices.

Thanks to iCloud, your iPod touch has an even tighter bond with your Mac or PC (and your iPhone or iPad). iCloud stores your music, apps, games, latest photos, and more and makes them accessible on your other devices. And it keeps your email, contacts, and calendars up to date across them, too. It's all automatic. There's no syncing required, no management required, no anything required. iCloud does the work for you.

iTunes in the Cloud. Your music and TV shows. Wherever you want them.

You never know when you'll suddenly be in the mood to listen to a favorite song or rewatch that hilarious sitcom episode. With iCloud, you can have iTunes automatically download new music purchases to all your devices the moment you tap Buy. You can also access past music and TV show purchases from any of your devices--wirelessly and without syncing.

Photo Stream. Snap. And it's everywhere.

With Photo Stream, you can take a photo on one iOS device and it automatically appears on all your other devices, including your Mac or PC. Import new pictures to your computer from a digital camera, and iCloud sends copies over Wi-Fi to your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. You can even view recent photos on your big-screen TV via Apple TV. There's no syncing, no email attachments, no file transfers. Your pictures are just there--on whichever device you happen to have handy.

Buy a new book from the iBookstore, and iCloud makes sure it appears everywhere--your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

Documents in the Cloud. Start here. Finish there.

You can create amazing documents and presentations on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. And now with iCloud, you can keep your work up to date across all your iOS devices. You don't have to save your work or transfer any files. Your documents--with all your latest edits--automatically appear everywhere. iCloud is already built into Apple iOS apps like Keynote, Pages, and Numbers. It can also work with other iCloud-enabled apps. So you can do things like create a spreadsheet on your iPad and make edits to it on your iPhone. Or start sketching on your iPod touch and add the finishing touches on your iPad at home.

Apps. All your apps. Always at hand.

If you have an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, you have apps. And you probably download new ones all the time. iCloud lets you automatically download new app purchases to all your devices at once. So the app you need is always right where you need it. If an app you bought previously isn't on one of your devices, not to worry. You can download it again from your purchase history--at no additional charge.

iBooks. All your devices are on the same page.

Buy a new book from the iBookstore, and iCloud makes sure it appears everywhere--your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. So if you have to put it down, you can pick it back up on another device, in exactly the same place. In addition to the best seller you're glued to at the moment, the iBooks app keeps a list of titles you've read before. And just like with apps, you can download them again to any of your devices.

Calendar, Mail, and Contacts. Up-to-date everything.

iCloud stores all the stuff you can't live without--your contacts, calendars, and email--and keeps it up to date across all your devices. Say you delete an email, add a calendar event, or change some settings. iCloud makes all your changes everywhere. Same with your notes, reminders, and Safari bookmarks.

Backup. iCloud saves the day.

iCloud backs up your iOS device daily over Wi-Fi when it's connected to a power source. From your Camera Roll and messages to your device settings and ringtones, everything is backed up quickly and efficiently. And since iCloud is built into iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, you can restore your personal data on a new iOS device or one you already have without using a single cable. iCloud does it all for you over Wi-Fi.

Find My Friends. Friend-spotting.

For finding your way to the party, keeping track of family at a crowded amusement park, or getting picked up at the airport, Find My Friends is your app. You can give friends and family permission to see your whereabouts. And vice versa. When you don't want to be found, a single switch takes you off the grid. Simple as that.

Find My iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac. Lost. And found.

If checking all the usual spots hasn't turned up your missing iOS device, Find My iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac can help.4 Just sign in at icloud.com or use the Find My iPhone app on another device to locate yours on a map, display a message on its screen, remotely set a passcode lock, or initiate a remote wipe to delete your data.

AirPrint. Wireless printing, right from your iPod touch.

Late for a concert? Quickly print your tickets from your iPod touch. Stumble upon a list of cheat codes for the RPG you've been struggling with? Print it and share it with your friends. A few taps is all it takes to go from onscreen to on paper.

Hard copies made easy.

AirPrint on iPod touch makes it simple to print your email, photos, web pages, and documents. There's no software to download, no drivers to install, and no cables to connect. With just a few taps on your iPod touch, you can go from viewing something onscreen to holding a printed copy. And because all the printing takes place in the background, there's no waiting around. Instead, you can start printing and then go back to flicking through photos, browsing the web, or doing whatever you were doing before.

True wireless printing.

"No cables required" means exactly that. AirPrint printing is 100 percent wireless. iPod touch automatically locates and connects to AirPrint-enabled printers on your wireless network. Whether you're on the other side of the house or on another floor from your printer--or you're walking from one room to the next--you can still print what you need, when you need it. In fact, it's all so easy and fast that by the time you finish reading this sentence, you could have printed it from your iPod touch.

What you see is what you print.

If you can open it on your iPod touch, chances are you can print it with AirPrint. AirPrint works with Safari, Mail, Photos, PDFs in iBooks, and third-party apps with built-in printing. Print that hilarious photo of your friend dressed up as an '80s rock star. Running late for a movie? AirPrint lets you quickly print your tickets as you're heading out the door, so you won't have to miss the previews.

Game Center on iPod touch lets you add more players to your gaming network.

Works with AirPrint-enabled printers.

Many AirPrint-enabled printers are available. Just visit the Apple Online Store and find one that's right for you.

Built-in apps. Fun from the get-go.

iPod touch gives you serious game. But there are so many other things you can do with it that are just as entertaining. Make a FaceTime call to your best friend. Shoot HD video of your favorite band. Take and post plenty of planking photos. Check out your go-to celebrity gossip blogs. All this and you can check email, watch a movie, listen to music, and more. Impressed? That's just how iPod touch rolls.

Messages with iMessage

Your two-thumb typing skills are about to be put to some serious use. Say h-e-l-l-o to iMessage, the new text messaging service for all iOS 5 users. It's free over Wi-Fi, so you can say as much as you want, and then say more. iMessage also lets you send a picture, share a video, or text a location. This is definitely going to have people talking.

FaceTime

FaceTime on iPod touch lets you hang out, catch up, and goof off with friends when you can't be there in person. With just a tap, your iPod touch can make a FaceTime call to someone else's iPod touch, iPad 2, iPhone, or Mac over Wi-Fi.1 Witness a prank in action. Or watch your friend on the other side of the country crack up at your stories from last night. All you need to get started is an Apple ID and an email account. You can choose an email account you already have or, if you prefer, set up a new one. You'll never see fun the same way again.

Game Center

Game Center on iPod touch lets you add more players to your gaming network. Invite friends to join. Then totally dominate them. See how your score ranks against your friends and other players of each game. Compare achievements. Put together a select group of friends to play with or have Game Center suggest some new friends based on the games you play. You can even choose to go up against people you don't know in a multiplayer game. So get in the game. And get your friends in it, too.

Camera with HD Video Recording

"You should have seen it!" is a thing of the past. Because with iPod touch, you'll always have a great HD video camera with you. So when your dog does that thing where he sounds like he's talking, you're ready to capture it in all its glory. In high-definition 720p video. You can record video in low-light settings, thanks to the advanced backside illumination sensor. You can even edit and create your own mini blockbuster right on iPod touch using the iMovie app--with Apple-designed themes, titles, and transitions. It's available on the App Store for $4.99.

App Store

Tap App Store and you'll find over 500,000 apps--including over 100,000 game and entertainment titles. With more added every day. Thanks to iCloud, new apps you buy on your iPod touch automatically download to your iPad or iPhone. There are apps for anything and everything--from giving videos you shoot a vintage feel to letting you take on the role of a cunning secret agent. You can download them fast. Many of them are free. And all of them make your iPod touch that much more can't-live-without-able.

Music + iTunes

With iPod touch, you don't just play your music. You hear it, and see it, in entirely different ways. Let Genius create a mix or a playlist for you automatically with music you already own and love. Flick through albums in Cover Flow. Or give iPod touch a shake to shuffle your songs. Craving some new music? iTunes is only a tap away. Browse millions of songs you can buy and download right on the spot. And thanks to iCloud, your purchases automatically download over Wi-Fi to your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or PC, too.

Videos

Your favorite movies and TV shows are now playing on a subway train or plane near you. Because you can buy or rent movies and purchase your favorite TV shows right on iPod touch. Shop the iTunes Store and choose from thousands of must-see titles.

Mail

Whether you have one email address or five, iPod touch lets you manage it all. View and open attachments. Format text. Drag to rearrange names in address fields. Add or delete mailbox folders. Search the body of messages. And with iCloud, you get a free email account that stays up to date on your iOS 5 devices and Mac or PC.

Tap App Store and you'll find over 500,000 apps--including over 100,000 game and entertainment titles.

Safari

Safari on iPod touch now includes Reader, a handy feature that removes annoying ads so you can read articles without distractions. Want to read a story but don't have time? Add it to Reading List and read it later. iCloud keeps your Reading List updated across all your devices, in case you want to check out the story on your Mac or iPad instead.

Photos

So many hilarious, unforgettable, I-can't-believe-you-just-did-that moments are in the photo library on your iPod touch. And new features in iOS 5 give you more control over the photos you take. Crop, rotate, enhance, and remove red-eye right on iPod touch. Even organize your photos in albums. With Photo Stream in iCloud, all the photos you shoot on iPod touch automatically appear on your other devices.

Maps

Maps on iPod touch shows you where you are and how to get to where you want to be. Or maybe you're craving something sweet. Type what you're looking for--"ice cream," for example--and see what's nearby.

Reminders

A new feature called Reminders makes iPod touch seem like a sticky note come to life. Create a list for whatever you don't want to forget--homework assignments to finish, chores to do, concert tickets to buy. Set a deadline and Reminders will send you a notification to keep you on track.

YouTube

From tweens with incredible vocal skills to bizarre-but-real TV commercials, YouTube is a video wonderland. And with the YouTube app on iPod touch, you can keep yourself entertained for hours on end.

Nike + iPod

Get the most out of your workouts with the Nike + iPod Sensor (sold separately) and iPod touch. The sensor slips into your Nike+ shoe and wirelessly transmits data about your workout to your iPod touch. The Nike+ app even works with cardio equipment in many fitness centers.

Voice Memos

If you have something to say, say it. Voice Memos on iPod touch will record it. Whether it's a lecture on covalent bonds or your friend's goofy made-up song, you can keep it for posterity. Trim your memos on iPod touch, then sync them to iTunes to use in your podcast or share.

Find My iPod touch

You know your iPod touch is here somewhere because you had it like 10 minutes ago. Don't freak out. Find My iPod touch was made for situations like this. When you first get your iPod touch, set up Find My iPod touch. Then if you misplace it, you can find its approximate location on a map. Display a message or play a sound to help you find it. You can even remotely wipe it clean of your personal information, if you need to.

More Built-in Apps

Keep all your news and magazine apps in Newsstand. Write about anything and everything in Notes. Do quick math with Calculator. Check the weather. And watch your investments with Stocks.

What's in the Box

iPod touch (8GB, Black), Earphones, Dock Connector to USB Cable, Quick Start Guide

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Customer Reviews

Most helpful customer reviews
4437 of 4641 people found the following review helpful.
The Lines Between iPod Touch and iPhone Have Started to Blur

Having had a chance to spend a little time with a review model gives me a chance to share the experience with you a bit early (before my own arrives). I'll take you hands-on with the new model, plus I'll share from my past two years of iPod touch ownership altogether, especially for those who haven't yet owned (or been owned by) one of these mobile gems.

I've also hidden a treasure trove of info on how you can legitimately download tons of quality apps for free. First though, let's quickly cover what's new.

+ Faster 1GHz A4 Processor - to keep up with the high demands of multitasking
+ Ultra high resolution "Retina display" - packs a 960 x 640 resolution at 326 pixels per inch
+ 15% larger battery - 3.44 Whr/930 mAh plays 7 hrs of video & 40 hrs of audio
+ Rear-facing camera - supports 960 x 720 sized photos (0.6 megapixels), plus 720p HD videos
+ Front-facing VGA-quality camera - VGA-quality is a resolution of 640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
+ 3-Axis Gyroscope - allows for higher precision and more motion gestures
+ Wireless N - Connect faster and go farther than ever, with this WiFi device (requires a router with 802.11n)
+ Built in microphone - but Apple reverted back to using the remote- and mic-less earphones
+ Game Center - Apple's own social gaming platform
+ Sleep/Power Button - it's been moved to the right, but not improved beyond that
+ Thinner, lighter than ever
* Note - Memory remains at the same 256MB despite several unconfirmed sources touting 512MB. There's also no vibrate module.

Unlike last year's iPod touch update, this one's a complete overhaul to the entire line. Last year, the new models didn't change in appearance. On the inside, faster processors and double-memory were added to the 32GB & 64GB models, but the 8GB got left out. Not this time. Buying the new 8GB iPod touch indeed gets you all the new goodies. You'll also pay thirty bucks more than before, so consider buying the 32GB model instead. You'll get 400% of the storage capacity for only 23% more coin!


===== Background =====

I'm a mobile app developer who's created a few apps and games for the iPhone, iPod Touch and now iPad. I was initially drawn to the iPod touch because of the popularity and capabilities of its mobile Web browsing--I was primarily a Web developer at the time and no other device could surf the Web so well. After I got one, I was hooked. I racked up over a hundred bucks in app purchases within the first month, and before long, I found myself learning how do develop native apps for the device.

Indeed, if you have never had an iPod touch before, you're in for a real treat. Of course, if you have, then you know first hand: it's is worth its weight in gold--no, in platinum. And now, with the latest generation, it may even be worth its weight rare gem stones! I digress.


===== Out With the Old =====

The iPod touch is frequently called an iPhone without the phone. However, until now there have been several other features also missing in the iPod touch besides the phone: a camera, GPS, magnetometer (compass), and some newer amenities from the iPhone 4: front-facing camera, high resolution "Retina display" as it has been dubbed, and the powerful 1GHz A4 processor--indeed a necessity to keep up with multitasking.

That all changes, now. The 4th gen iPod touch brings with it some new features and amenities, some of which have been anticipated by iPod touch fans and developers alike, including myself, for several generations of the device. From a developer's perspective, the more hardware features we can get our hands on, the better and more innovative apps we can create, and the more users that can download, use and enjoy them.


===== In With the New =====

The striking new design of the latest iPod touch is definitely a looker. Apple has made it even thinner (and I thought it was already too thin before) complete with a beautiful chrome back. While the super thin design is certainly attractive, I've found it slightly difficult to keep it well-gripped in your hands. The usual chrome back looks great too, but it's scratch-insistent. Yes, it's incredibly easy to scratch it all up, even after the first few days. For these two reasons, definitely get yourself a silicone skin (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0042GVG5G?tag=1pod-20&ie=UTF8) alongside your new touch!

For ages, the feature topping everyone's wishlist for the iPod touch has been a camera. Check! It handles HD video too--bonus! Granted, its not the 5 megapixel camera that the iPhone 4 sports, but again, the new iPod touch is thinner than ever, making it a miracle that we even got a camera in the first place, let alone two! Yes, Apple went the extra mile so we could make video calls with our iPhone toting friends, via their FaceTime app. Brilliant! So, having not had any camera on the iPod touch before, and now having TWO cameras on it, we can't really complain can we? Nah.

I'll have details on the quality both cameras later, but what excites me even moreso is the new much-higher resolution screen--dubbed "Retina display". You may not think much of it if you haven't used an iPhone or iPod touch before, nor have an older model nearby to compare it to, but for those that have and/or do, the difference is clear! (pun intended)

Where this really comes in handy is in browsing the Web and reading non-mobile-formatted PDF e-books. Now, I can see things so much clearer at the default zoom level (which shows the full width of a Web page or document). My vision isn't spectacular by any means, I just don't mind seeing things smaller on the screen. It allows me to see more content without having to scroll. Indeed, the Retina display was the #1 feature I never knew I wanted (until I saw it in the iPhone 4 that is).

Other newness includes: 15% larger battery, HD video recording and editing, built-in mic, wireless-n for nearly double the WiFi connection speed and distance, Game Center: Apple's new social gaming platform (which seems to be Apple's attempt to kill-off third party social gaming platforms like OpenFeint and Plus+), 3-axis gyroscope sensor, which complements the existing accelerometer sensor, both of which handle the rotating, swinging and other motion gestures of the device (previously, rotation were roughly calculated from accelerometer data), and new placement of the sleep/power button on the right (but still as difficult as ever to press).

Features still missing include: 512MB of memory, vibration, 5 MP quality camera + flash (iPhone apps now support using LED flash as a flashlight, like Android does), magnetometer (compass), and the GPS. I'd happily trade the thinness of the latest iPod touch to have the GPS. WiFi based location is often inaccurate, and the GPS doesn't need a WiFi or cellular connection, it just needs to see the satellites in the sky.


===== iOS vs Android =====

So far, Apple has cornered the market of multitouch mobile devices that aren't phones, but things are slowly changing. Currently, the two hottest mobile and smartphone operating systems out there right now are Apple's iOS (formerly: iPhone OS) and Google's Android. Of course, iOS is popular because it runs on not only the iPhone, but also on the iPod touch and now on the ipad as well. Plus, it has garnered support from scores of app developers who've gotten behind Apple's slew of high-demand devices.

The iPod touch has really made iOS what it is today. It does a lot of what the iPhone does, without a contract, or carrier exclusivity, as is the case with the iPhone and the iPad (WiFi+3G models). So if it weren't for the iPod touch, a lot of the market share Apple now has in the industry would have been stifled by their carrier exclusivity. I think Apple will see the light soon, but that's another discussion.

Enter Android. Google has held a different stance on their mobile OS. It isn't tied to a select few devices, and it's open source, so it can be further developed by manufacturers who use it. Indeed, several mobile device manufacturers have now latched onto Android as a foundation for numerous devices. Wireless carriers that have been unable to carry the iPhone have also taken a liking to it. Now, tons of Android devices have been released, and there's no end in sight. Manufacturers have also seen the iPad's potential and now they want a piece of that pie, too. So, expect to see a lot more Android tablets and media-centric non-phone devices soon. The competition is heating up.

But not everything with Android, nor with iOS, is perfect. I own an EVO 4G, one of the most popular Android devices currently available. I've also used an iPod touch almost every day for nearly two years, so I'm pretty qualified to share my experience with each platform. Both certainly have their share of unique offerings, and neither of them are without flaws. For this reason, and because of the increasing competition between the two, I plan to dispel some of their key differences for you at various points in this review.


===== So What Can the iPod Touch Actually Do? =====

Well, what can't it do?

The iPod touch is like a magical little box, only it's flat. While it cannot cook your breakfast, yet (I'm sure someone is already working on that), it can indeed do some pretty extraordinary things. It's an amazing catch-all device that can provide hours of entertainment, give you the power of the Web in your hand, and it can even replicate the functionality of countless one-off products. Developers have been creating apps that take advantage of special hardware of the iPod touch to emulate some other product for less, and sometimes even for free.

Even expensive products have seen cheap iOS based clone apps. For just 99 cents, you can snag a special alarm clock app that monitors your sleep cycle and wakes you up when you're in an ideal state of wakefulness. I spent 350 bucks on an aXbo
(http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0014RDSSY?tag=1pod-20&ie=UTF8) a few years ago, who's functionality is easily replicated by several "sleep phase" alarm clock apps in the app store. When you do the math there, you see that it's easily a no brainer: buy yourself an iPod touch now!

I've listed more apps like this in the comments!

Plus, with the support of such a strong community of app and game developers, there's never a drought of fresh new apps and games. There's always something to do with the iPod touch, and I guarantee you'll never be bored with it. I honestly cannot say the same thing about Android, though I also tote my EVO 4G around with me. I do admit that the EVO's mobile hotspot comes in incredibly handy for providing the iPod touch with a WiFi connection while I'm on the go).

Now, with the proper resources, you can legitimately download thousands of high quality apps for free. I do it all the time and it is perfectly legal. See, Apple allows developers to temporarily put their apps on sale (and even drop the price to free). Usually they do this to get you to write some rave reviews for their apps. The secret to success is having the resources to help you spot these special app sales--so you know when and where to get them during their sometimes extremely-limited-time promotions.

In hopes of making this the most helpful review on Amazon for the iPod touch, here's how to obtain these special promotional-sale apps:

There are several resources you can use, both on the Web and on the iPod touch itself. I prefer to use the app called BargainBin that lists all apps that recently went on sale or dropped to free. It also supports watch lists with push notifications, and can alert you whenever an app you're interested in goes on sale. It's a phenomenal little gem, and it has gotten me a ton of apps and saved me a fortune! It also has a companion website that lists the same apps (Google: App Advice). There's also a website called AppShopper (Google it) that lists apps with recent price drops and new apps as well, and you can filter just the free products or just the sale products. The two sites don't always list the same apps. Sometimes one will miss something that the other will catch, so it's good to keep track of them both. Check them daily if possible. Several apps are duds, but you'll come across some really great ones from time to time. They'll all add up!


===== Web Browsing =====

Alongside spending lots of money on all those wonderful apps in the App Store, Web browsing is one of the most popular uses for the iPod touch. Browsing the Web with mobile Safari was my original attraction to the device. The experience hasn't changed too drastically in the past two years (since the days of iOS 2), and while it's still very powerful, there are some definite flaws. And no, I'm not talking about Flash. Just minor usability issues I'd like to see overcome, but first let's look at the positives.

Mobile Safari has a smart approach to zooming in on content. Double-tap on a paragraph of text or an image to cinch that content right up to the edges of the screen. The downside: some sites aren't mobile-friendly, so zooming in on a really wide block of text can leave you with tiny text. You can zoom further manually, by using the "unpinch" multi-touch gesture, but because the browser doesn't have an option to reflow the text to the screen width, you have to scroll left and right, as well as up and down, just to read the text. Android's browser doesn't feature smart zoom, but it does reflow the text to fit the screen when zoomed in. It's a nice feature, and Apple should add it as a preference for Safari.

Browser history can also vanish after a few days, and browser windows get overwritten by links from other pages sometimes (usually when I've hit the maximum of eight windows). Also yet to be seen is support for doing common things like searching for text on a page, or bookmarking a link by tapping and holding. That would be invaluable for adding bookmarklets--bookmark based scripts that help overcome browser shortcomings.

Flash is also a great debate, one I won't get into. I will just say that all is not as it seems with the Flash-support-touting Android platform. Flash does work, but it is buggy because Flash doesn't play well with touch interfaces. Flash based video players don't work right, and I even run Android 2.2, which is supposed to have the "full Flash experience". It doesn't, trust me. So you're not missing much by not having Flash on the iPod touch!

Indeed, we can just hope and pray that Web developers and Flash-fiends see the light and start replacing Flash content with technologies like HTML5's canvas element, which is poised to take on a lot of Flash's most popular abilities.


===== Media =====

Despite all the incredible things the iPod touch can do, audio and video are still one of the iPod touch's greatest strengths. And with the incredible resolution of the new iPod touch's retina display, to say that videos now appear much sharper, more vivid and highly-defined is definitely an understatement. Yes, videos were great before, but now they frickin' rock!

Just make sure your videos are at least 960 x 640. If you've owned an older iPod touch and used video conversion software to scale down your media to fit the old 320 x 480 screen resolution, definitely change your conversion settings, or look for a software update to support the new higher-resolution display.

For those interested in watching live TV on the go (over WiFi), Sling Media's SlingPlayer app, paired with one of their Slingbox devices is a phenomenal and freeing experience, especially considering your alternate choices for watching live TV on the go are pretty much nil up to this point.

On top of that, Netflix's recently released iPod touch version of their media streaming app has also been a much-welcomed addition to my ever-growing collection of apps. Netflix videos stream quickly, and even moving the play position back and forth in the timeline, the movie starts playing very quickly without much time rebuffering the video.


===== Photos =====

The latest iPod touch is also a game-changer for photography and video recording on an iPod touch. It's not mind-blowing by any means, but we went from having no camera right to having two cameras on the device. I probably would not be so thrilled with just a new back camera. I merely would have sighed, mumbling "finally" under my my breath (unless it were 5 megapixels). But despite the less-than-one megapixel quality of the rear-facing camera, I was taken aback by the rather decent quality, especially in low-light environments. Check the comments for links to sample photos!

Between that and the ability to connect with other iPhone and iPod touch toting friends via Apple's FaceTime app, yes... it's a game changer. Granted, I have been wanting front facing cameras on mobile devices ever since mobile devices started having cameras period. I got the first of such devices when my EVO 4G arrived in June, but as they say: the more the merrier. Friends, welcome to the future we've been dreaming of. Video killed the audio call!

The quality of my test calls were pretty good. Of course, it was over WiFi, but it proves the cameras are decent. You can switch from using the front camera to using the rear camera, too, in case something was going on in front of you that you wanted to share. Just tap the "camera swap" button in the bottom right corner of the screen. FaceTime also rotates along with the iPod when flipped on its side, nice.

HD video recording is the other half of the aforementioned game-changing equation. I didn't expect to see ANY video recording, considering the original iPhone camera was originally just a camera. But it's here, complete with HD quality (yes, the quality is indeed desirable), plus basic video editing support, as well as support for Apple's brilliant "iMovie" app: an advanced video editing studio right on your iPod touch. It's just five bucks on the App Store.


===== E-Reading =====

The iPad has been making waves in the genre of media reading for several months now, but that hasn't exactly been the same story for any generation of the iPod touch so far. Granted, it's not exactly marketed as an eReader like its iPad counterpart, but there are some really great apps out there for media reading on it, so there's no reason not to use it to read digital media. The obstacle to doing that, for me at least, has been the limited screen resolution, and so that may all potentially start to change, now that Apple has brought the Retina display to the iPod touch.

The 163 pixels per inch screens of past iPod touches were still pretty great, just not ideal for tiny text. For comparison, LCD monitors typically only have 96 pixels per inch, and CRT monitors only have 72 pixels per inch. TV's are even worse than that. What this means for you is that the iPod touch display has always been sharper than your own computer monitor.

However, despite being able to display content at a higher quality, I still found that in a lot of eBooks, especially PDFs that weren't mobile-formatted, the text was just not clear enough to be readable when zoomed out. However, zooming in meant having to constantly scroll side-to-side while reading. The app "Good Reader" helped ease that pain by doing the left-right & vertical scrolling for you with just a tap of the screen, as well as offering an additional view that re-flows the text to fit on the screen at a large enough size.

However, with the Retina display, all text and content in the aforementioned "zoomed out" state now appears extremely clear. That is a wonderful thing, so long as you don't mind reading tiny text.

Could you still benefit from having an iPad too? Perhaps. After all, it does have unique qualities that set it apart from the iPod touch, as my in depth iPad review portrays (http://www.amazon.com/review/R16U71KO7POLA2?tag=1pod-20&ie=UTF8). But unless you specifically see the need for one of those unique qualities, then no, you probably don't need both.


===== Gaming =====

If you're like me, you probably don't have time for games. Regardless, it may still be high-time to let the kid within you roam free from time to time, as I do. The iPod touch has made it possible. In fact, it is so easy, there's no excuse not to enjoy yourself. My favorite games are the racing games and, when I have a bit more time, strategy games.

With the iPhone and iPod Touch having taken on a clear role as a gaming console that has been as revolutionary for mobile gaming as the Wii was for living-room gaming, it goes without saying that the iPod touch is, and will continue to be, one of the best platforms for gaming. It's simple, convenient, and pretty much instant. Whenever you have a few moments of free time, wherever you're, just turn it on, find your game, and bam! You're gaming. Simple as that.


===== Productivity =====

Productivity carries numerous definitions. Usually its "getting something done" though some people tend to believe that it's the ability to focus without being distracted, which I see as one of the iPod touch's strengths, at least for me, primarily because the screen is small enough to force you to focus on the task at hand.

In the context of software though, Apple's own suite of productivity apps for the office, collectively called "iWork", has been further refined for the iPhone and iPod touch. Because of the aforementioned "focus factor" of the iPod touch, I have found myself to be surprisingly productive when working on documents with it. There are three apps in all: Pages allows you to work on word processing documents. Numbers allows you to work on spreadsheets. Keynote lets you work on presentations and slideshows (including PowerPoint files).

So far, I've found these apps to be highly useful when I have work to do, but don't feel like being at the computer to do it. Another great app for that is "iTeleport" which let's me at my computer remotely, when iWork won't work (meaning I'm not working on office documents). Log Me In Ignition is another similar app that is slightly easier to set up, but a bit slower than iTeleport, when you're just working over the same WiFi connection as the remote computer.

Furthermore, there's a whole category of iPod touch apps in the App Store specifically dedicated to productivity. Some of my favorite productivity apps include: Bento (info management), Things (project management), iTeleport (remote computing), and GoodReader (best PDF reader around). Search for them in the App Store.


===== Email, IM and Social Networking =====

The iPod touch has been, and continues to be an exceptional communication-machine. Whether it's reading or composing email, keeping in touch via instant messenger, or managing your life via social networks, you've got plenty of options here.

Instant messaging is easy with platforms such as AIM, Yahoo, Gtalk, MSN, Skype and apps that handle multiple platforms: IM+, Fring, Nimbuzz, BeejiveIM and Fuse Messenger. Finally, multitasking means you can truly remain connected to your IM platforms of choice, instead of relying on apps to keep you signed remotely, then push new-message notifications to your device. This is a much welcome addition to the new iPod touch.

As well, there are plenty of apps to help you browse and update your status on social networks like Facebook, Twitter, etc. Within the iOS development community, Twitter apps have often been a laughing stock, simply because there are so many out there on the App Store. They're almost as rampant as "fart" apps. So to say you've got countless options as far as social networking apps are concerned is probably a pretty accurate statement.

For email, you need not look any further than Apple's native "Mail" app. Even if you're using Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, or Apple's own MobileMe, setup is a snap. It even supports Microsoft Exchange, often useful for corporate email setups. As well, any other email accounts that support POP3 or IMAP connection types will work with the Mail app too. Plus, new to the iPod touch with iOS 4 is the option to use a unified inbox--handy for those already used to that behavior on Mac OS X.


===== Downloading Apps and Games =====

Downloading apps on your iPod touch couldn't be easier. Once you set up your iTunes account with a credit card, all you need to do is find the app you want, tap the download button (usually it says the price rather than "download", which then changes to "buy" after you tap it), then tap again to confirm. Voila, you just bought an app. Behind the scenes, Apple then charges your card the amount of the app plus tax, while you're already off enjoying your new purchase. This ease of access is a blessing and a curse, because you can easily empty your wallet if you're not carefully considering each purchase.

All apps in the App Store range in price from Free and 99 cents on up, always incrementing in whole dollar amounts (1.99, 2.99, 3.99, etc). The maximum price for an app is set to $999.99, of which there are only eight currently priced so outrageously. And don't even think of toying with them. Apple does not allow refunds on apps you have purchased--all sales are final!

Contrast that with Android's more complex Android Market, and you'll find several more steps, especially for paid apps. For one, there're no fixed pricing tiers, and secondly, they allow multiple currency pricing, which only confuses its users. The good developers do keep their pricing similar to iOS apps, with the 99 cent base plus $1 increments, but I often see apps priced at ¥0.55 or 0.79 or $1 or £2.95 ...it's quite disorienting and unstructured. They have also set their price cap at $200, so you can't accidentally run up a $1000 charge on just one app--you'll need at least 5 apps for that. ;)

Meanwhile, to actually buy an app on Android, you must tap the BUY button, confirm that you want to buy the app, then get redirected to a Google Checkout link, where you must setup your Google Checkout account or choose an existing payment method if you already have an account set up. Once you confirm the purchase yet again, THEN you can finally download the app.

Google also makes selling apps a bit more complicated for developers than Apple, but I won't get into that. I'm just stressing how absolutely simple Apple makes the app buying and selling process. Contrary to Apple however, Google does allow users to "return" purchased Android apps within 24 hours for a full refund. That's nice.


===== Technical Specifications =====

Since Amazon's product descriptions tend to be lacking, I like to include all the technical jargon geeks have come to expect when researching new gadgets. Feel free to breeze on through!

In the box
+ iPod touch
+ Earphones
+ Dock Connector to USB Cable (for sync and charging)
+ Quick Start guide

Size and weight
+ Height: 4.4 inches (111.0 mm)
+ Width: 2.3 inches (58.9 mm)
+ Depth: 0.28 inch (7.2 mm)
+ Weight: 3.56 ounces (101 grams)

Capacity
+ 8GB, 32GB or 64GB flash drive/SSD

Wireless
+ 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi (802.11n 2.4GHz only)
+ Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
+ Maps-location based service
+ Nike + iPod support built in

Display
+ Multi-Touch display
+ 3.5-inch (diagonal) widescreen
+ 960-by-640-pixel resolution at 326 pixels per inch

Cameras, photos, and video
+ Video recording, HD (720p) up to 30 frames per second with audio; still photos (960 x 720) with back camera
+ VGA-quality photos and video up to 30 frames per second with the front camera
+ Tap to control exposure for video or stills
+ Photo and video geo tagging over Wi-Fi

TV and video
+ H.264 video up to 720p, 30 frames per second, Main Profile level 3.1 with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats
+ MPEG-4 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps per channel, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats
+ Motion JPEG (M-JPEG) up to 35 Mbps, 1280 by 720 pixels, 30 frames per second, audio in ulaw, PCM stereo audio in .avi file format
+ Support for 1024 by 768 pixels with Dock Connector to VGA Adapter; 576p and 480p with Apple Component AV Cable; 576i and 480i with Apple Composite AV Cable (cables sold separately)

Audio
+ Frequency response: 20Hz to 20,000Hz
+ Audio formats supported: AAC (8 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Store), HE-AAC, MP3 (8 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, 4, Audible Enhanced Audio, AAX, and AAX+), Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAV
+ User-configurable maximum volume limit with parental lock
+ Earbud headphones included in box

Earphones
+ Frequency response: 20Hz to 20,000Hz
+ Impedance: 32 ohms

Input and output
+ 30-pin dock connector
+ 3.5-mm stereo headphone minijack
+ Built-in speaker
+ Microphone
+ External buttons and controls

Sensors
+ Three-axis gyro
+ Accelerometer
+ Ambient light sensor (for proximity detection)

Battery, power and playback time
+ Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery
+ USB sync cable is also used for charging
+ Fast charge in about 2 hours (80% capacity)
+ Full charge in about 4 hours.
+ Music playback time: Up to 40 hours when fully charged
+ Video playback time: Up to 7 hours when fully charged

System requirements
+ USB 2.0
+ iTunes 10 or later
+ Mac: Mac OS X v10.5.8 or later
+ PC: Windows 7, Vista, or XP (SP3 or later)


===== Praise =====

+ Apple continues its trend of creating the best multi-touch experience around. Android doesn't even come close.
+ The Retina Display - Phenomenal! Kudos for bringing it to the iPod touch as well as the iPhone. Now try it with IPS technology Apple!
+ Wireless-N, finally! - Faster and farther-reaching WiFi connections (if your router supports 802.11n)
+ High performance 1GHz A4 processor - provides all the power of the iPhone 4, a win for gaming and multitasking.
+ Multitasks like a dream with iOS 4 and the powerful processor, despite the same 256MB of memory as the third generation touch.
+ Rear camera - It's not the 5 megapixel iPhone 4 camera, but I definitely can't complain here. It shoots great photos, especially in low-light without flash, plus it can do HD video.
+ Front facing camera - What a pleasant surprise! Now it just needs to work with Skype.


===== Dissappointments =====

+ No GPS - IP based location just doesn't cut it at times. GPS has no subscription fee or contract to use. GPS chips are costly, but tons of high cost GPS apps are in the App Store now to offset that cost for Apple.
+ 256MB memory - iFixit has confirmed this disappointing flaw, putting to rest all the rumors of 512MB still littering several reviews.
+ Still no 120GB model - Useful for higher res videos that look great on the Retina display.
+ No USB 3.0 or wireless sync - Sync'ing can be slow or inconvenient over the cable.
+ Thinner design - I was hoping for a more squared design, like the iPhone 4, as it is easier to grip, handle and press the power button.
+ Power button - Yes, it hasn't changed much. It's been moved to the right side on this model, but it's still the tiny, hard-to-press button it's has always been, and if you take lots of screenshots like I do (by pressing power+home simultaneously) half the time you end up closing your app because the power button didn't work right.


===== The Bottom Line =====

It is absolutely clear: Apple has definitely blurred the lines between iPhone and iPod touch with its 4th generation of both devices. Since it has no contract or carrier exclusivity, this phenomenal device will continue to shine its light in the otherwise dark voids of the smartphone market where the iPhone cannot go, even without the phone. That's just smart!

Given all my tips, I think you'll find the iPod touch to be an extraordinarily useful, possibly even highly addictive device, with a price tag that is well worth it, especially the 32GB model. With all the things that the iPod touch can do, it will undoubtedly enhance your life and change the way you interact with the Web. It might even make a gamer out of you if it hasn't already, it sure did for me!

I hope you've found my hands-on review helpful. I do actively participate in any discussions via the comments, so feel free to drop me a line, or ask me any questions as well. :)
215 of 221 people found the following review helpful.
Senior Citizen Review of Ipod Touch

I purchased my Ipod Touch 8G in January just for fun and to see what all the fuss was about. I use a laptop and have wireless connectivity in my home. But I don't store music on an Ipod and don't have "smart" cell phone. After using the Ipod Touch for a few months, all I can say is "WOW".

This device is like carrying a small computer in your pocket. I can connect to the internet wirelessly at home and anywhere I can find a public connection--library, cafe, etc. I check my email (read and compose), facebook, Meetups, Ravelry, take pictures and movies, and with the Skype App, can video call my kids. I have become hooked on the Angry Birds game, which is fun to do while waiting anywhere. I have also downloaded audio books from my library to take with me when I travel. I knit and have any pattern I am working on loaded on my Touch so I don't worry about losing it. All this in a 2x4 inch little device I can carry with me everywhere.

I considered getting a smart phone instead, but Verizon's additional monthly cost of $30/month for internet access turned me off. It would be nice to have internet access where ever I am, but I don't need it and don't want to pay $360/year for it. I like the fact that the Ipod Touch does not require any additional monthly costs.

I compared my Touch to my friends Ipad. It appears that my Touch does most everything the Ipad does, but it's just smaller.

My son has a Droid, which does what my Touch does plus it is his cell phone. But games wear his battery down quickly. I don't have to worry about that since my phone is seperate from my Touch. And I think my screen is a little bigger and sharper.

If I needed to be connected to the internet at all times and have a cell phone too, I would probably stick with a smart phone and pay the extra $30/month. But if you want a very versatile tool in a small package to carry with you, I highly recommend the Ipod Touch.

So much fun!



593 of 638 people found the following review helpful.
RETINA Display Absolutely Rocks! Excellent Media Device and Portable Computer
 
My original review focused on whether you can successfully use an 8 gb version of this 4th gen iPod Touch in lieu of a more expensive, larger memory version. My conclusion (at the end of this highly revised review) was, and remains, a resounding YES but there is one aspect, that applies to ALL the iPod Touch 4th generation editions (8/32/64 gb), that I now think is MUCH more important:

The quality of the screen display.

Simply put, this device has near-iPad screen quality in a 3.5" device. (960x640 resolution at 326 pixels per inch, vs. 1024x768 resolution at 132 pixels per inch).

That means you can get almost iPad quality video in approximately 3.6 ounces of device vs. 24 ounces of device; in a device that fits a shirt pocket vs. a device you need a separate bag for. In a device you can hold up as a reader vs. a device that tires your arms.

This Touch is VERY practical for reading NYTimes articles or USAToday articles in their reader applications, optimized for this size display (crisp, large type). VERY practical for browsing the regular on-line editions of most newspapers (tap once to fit a column to a screen with nice readable type). GREAT for YouTube since the YouTube app included with the device is optimized for delivering high def YouTube content - if available, HD videos are automatically preferred. GREAT for Netflix and Hulu Plus. GREAT for gmail and ok for Facebook (I am sure FB will make its dedicated app more user-friendly in the future).

Great, for me, for online banking and stock research/trading.

Great for catching up on tech websites in their "mobile" formats.

So-so for Yahoo; I don't like Yahoo Mobile right now and their regular online edition, via the built in Safari browser, doesn't scale up and down as nicely as the online NYTimes does.

And oh yeah, the device can store adequate amounts of your own music library (or stream Slacker or Pandora, customized for you, in free or pay editions) and download iTunes paid video content for later consumption, stream to Apple TV, or you can move your own DVD content to the device via easy conversion programs.

Last year I ventured out on some vacations with an iPod Touch, the last generation, as a "backup" to my netbook. I found myself easily reading emails, but preferring the netbook for replies. I didn't read any books with it until earlier this year, and was surprised by how well book reading worked. I Skyped home.

When this new generation Touch came out, I got it as a matter of reflex, justifying the purchase on the basis of the built-in camera and built-in microphone (which means I don't have to use "inline mics" with ear buds any more). But in reality, the sharpness of the screen is MUCH more important. I have now, simply as a result of this device, switched to e-reading from print reading. On the road, this has largely displaced the netbook (except for reviews like this); most friends communicate in shorter emails these days anyway, and most emails are ads and blurbs, not stuff you need to reply to.

But now at home I find myself ALSO using this new generation iPod Touch a LOT. In the morning to check emails for anything really important, to check NYTimes headlines, before I even roll out of bed. Anytime I want to check emails or Facebook the rest of the day, without firing up the regular desktop computer. At bed to read.

In short, the darn thing is a working computer. Great for CONSUMPTION, patience-testing for INPUT. (Although forcing my input to slow down, say, for Simple Notes entries may be a good thing - forces me to slow down and be a lot more concise.)

***********A word on gaming and pricing. My kids have the 8 gb, 4th gen (this one) model and LOVE it for games. The motion detector is VERY responsive and watching a 3.5 y.o. use "dual thumbs" on the screen blows me away. You will NOT get the same screen responsiveness and motion detection on an Android device. Some developers are even reluctant to develop Android versions because the hardware for Android devices simply has too many variants in the marketplace vs. much smaller overall market share. This can change, but for now Apple dominates the gaming market. This week Apple is offering the Touch in 8 gb mode for slightly over 2 bills but with a 25 gift card. The value for dollar is incredible. Think carefully before you try to find a substitute! (FWIW I love Apple hardware but don't like the "locked down" system it has become - I hate having to use iTunes as "Grand Central Station" for Touch operations. So I am actually inclined to be biased AGAINST Apple, but in the case of the Touch the results are simply too good to ignore.)


***********Best accessory ever: ClassicReader Three-pair Valu-Pac, +3.00 The screen on this new generation of iPod Touches is very, very sharp, but in order to enjoy all that sharpness, you need to bring the screen really close to your eyes (assuming you don't have presbyopia and can focus close) OR simply carry a pair of cheap reading glasses as an "accessory" to these super sharp 4th generation screens. This lets you actually read the tiny type on the NY Times website, actually see the richness of colors and depth of detail on a video. So even if you don't need reading glasses for magazine reading, CONSIDER trying a pair of STRONG reading glasses (1.75, 2.0, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, or even 3.0) to magnify the 3.5" display screen. Strong reading glasses make high-def YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu Plus videos POP for me.

My original review, edited to be slightly briefer, is below, so you will know where most of the pre-12/20 comments come from:

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Can you get by with an 8gb Touch?

Yep, based on my experience with a 3rd gen 32 gb, and on my recent local purchase of the 4th gen (this current model) in 8 gb capacity.

When using the old 32 gb, I found out that I barely used its greater storage capacity. (I don't haul around a lot of music or videos - I just transfer what I want to listen to/watch for each road trip or listening/viewing cycle using iTunes). Apps, I discovered, don't take up much space, even games and books don't take up much space, unless you want to haul substantially more of your whole collection with you. Amazon's Kindle app is esp. device friendly, since you can archive books you've finished back to Amazon instead of keeping them on the device. iTunes is a great way to manage what content you want to store on your home computer - which becomes a sort of large "docking device" - and what you want top take "to go."

As a netbook substitute, storage isn't even that important. I can check my bank balance, transfer funds and execute orders on a brokerage account, listen to radio on Pandora or Slacker, watch music videos (and a lot more ) on YouTube, Skype, stream Netflix, and do a whole lot of other stuff on the 8 gb just fine.

In fact in hindsight the only real reason for me getting the 32 gb version in the older edition was to get the faster processor. But in the current generation, ALL THE 4th GENERATION HARDWARE IS THE SAME, except only for memory.

Do keep in mind on the 8gb edition you give up about a gig to systems operations, leaving only 7 gb or so for your stuff. And you need to leave from for apps and their space. I probably wouldn't put more than 6 gb of music and videos on the 8gb version. The other editions also give up the same space, but proportionately it is a smaller "hit" to your storage.

The 8gb makes a nice intersection on my personal "cheapness" and "minimalist" curves. The price doesn't get into nose-bleed territory where I start to wonder whether a netbook would makes more sense, and it's inexpensive enough to subject to the toils of daily wear and tear - keeping it handy in an outside day pack pocket, instead of more safely stowed deep inside the pack.
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