iPod Touch - Almost indistinguishable from magic (Apple iPod touch (2G) 16 GB)

Member Name: TheRedTower

Product:	Apple iPod touch (2G) 16 GB
Date:	04/07/09 (19 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Capable at gaming, solid construction, updatable OS, App Store

Disadvantages: Speaker quality isn't amazing, WiFi can be slow, no camera

Arthur C. Clarke once said "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic."

An iPod Touch is just that, magic, well almost. I never fails to make me smile, it's like using something that we've only been shown in science fiction.

This iPod, unlike other MP3 players has never become boring or even dated. The never ending onslaught of progress in technology can be daunting and even depressing, this iPod however has managed to side-step this. Thanks to the recent update to the operating system (OS X 3.0), this iPod is fast becoming more of a computer than just a music player. This OS update has enabled this iPod to use Bluetooth for streaming audio, using the Nike+ running App and playing games against others with similarly enabled iPods and iPhones.

Sure, it plays music and has the capacity to store days worth of music, but anyone who would only use it for this would be missing out. The ability to install Apps from the App Store is such a boon for the iPod Touch. Gaming in particular is impressive, Apple seem to be positioning the iPod Touch and iPhone as competitors in the mobile gaming arena. There isn't just the option for games though, you have many productivity Apps, social networking Apps, music Apps, the list goes on (and on.) Playing video is another bonus, especially with the ability to buy films and TV shows via the iTunes Store App, the quality is very crisp and has good colour depth.

The hardware is improved over the first generation iPod Touch, it feels thinner thanks to it's tapered design, the processor inside it is more powerful and it feels 'snappier' in general. Many people will tell you to get a screen protector for it, I wouldn't bother, the screen seems virtually scratch-proof, only the back of the iPod is vulnerable to scratches thanks to the chrome-effect back plate Apple seem so insistent on using for their iPods. As with the previous model, it's small enough to fit in your pocket, the screen is bright and very high quality. It's WiFi speed is good enough, but this does depend on how close you are to your router, I've found I can get a reasonable speed two floors up and two rooms away (I never got a signal in the same place with the previous generation unit.)

This iPod also has built-in speakers, that as if by magic, emit a reasonably good sound from nowhere (this has probably been the best addition to this generation of the iPod Touch.) If you're lucky enough to own some of the new earphones you can control the iPod Touch via the buttons on the remote (very handy for jogging and the like.) I'd say the only thing this is missing is a camera... especially seeing the iPhone 3GS' camera App (which would replace any point and shoot digital camera I would ever own), this, however is a minor gripe.

This iPod is without a doubt one of my favourite pieces of technology. It's always a pleasure to use and constantly surprises me with it's ability and innovativeness. It's an iPhone without the phone (or the camera.)

Summary: Worth it if you want an iPhone without the phone.

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