I received the iPod touch for my Christmas last year. I expected a large appliance like that to put packaged in a huge box. However, it was packaged in a small case not much bigger than the iPod touch which I thought was useful as I had no idea what was inside in the wrapped package. Inside the box is the iPod touch, a small user manual which I think is overly-small and should be a lot bigger. People with vision impairments will have a lot of trouble reading the manual even with glasses! Ins die the box also contained a pair of useless white earphones which break after one month, some weird white thing which I still don't know is used for, and also two apple-shaped stickers. Also, I haven't cracked the function for this either!

I particularly like the appearance of the iPod touch. It has a black touch screen, and the back is silver witch a white 'Apple' logo and the writing 'iPod'. I still don't know why there a black oval on the top left had corner of the silver metal backing. There are two ways to change the volume on the iPod touch. There is a way change it by touching the screen. However, there is also an up button and down button on the left hand side of the iPod. I find this useful as if it's in my pocket I can easily change my volume without having to take it out on the street, top, and adjust the volume. On the top of the iPod there is the "lock" button, which I will explain in more detail later. The iPod touch is pretty thin and is just as thin as any other small new iPod. The iPod is also very light and personally I don't think it's too much heavier than other iPods. However, as a more advanced iPod you have to expect it to be a little bit heavier.

The physical aspects of the earphones don't impress me, however. I use Sennheiser earphones which are a lot better. The earphones are white and pretty cheap looking. Also, they break within one month of use.

In order to set up the iPod, hold down the black button at the top of the iPod. This is a criticism I have for the iPod, it takes a long time for it to start up after switching it off. It will show an Apple logo, then it starts up. The screen you will see it the time in a large font (it may be wrong at first), the text underneath, a large globe in the middle which shows America. Underneath all this is a button which says 'slide to unlock', with a tiny light moving throughout the text. This is your first chance to practise using the touch screen. Simply, and very gently (it doesn't need to be pressed hard), touch the arrow and move it sideways. It will then show you a list of the apps you have. The ones that are already included on your iPod are: iMail, Calender, Photos, Contacts, Stocks, App store, Maps, Weather, Voice Memos, Videos, Clock, Settings, Notes, iTunes. Then, you will have to turn the next screen (you do this by touching the screen and moving it to the side) where you will find your calculator.

Underneath the main screen for apps, you find your three favourite apps at the bottom which you can shop and change. For example, on mine it has: Youtube, Music and Safari. When you want to use your iPod touch as music player, you press Music. You may ask how to upload Music?

You have to go on to the apple website and download iTunes. When you first upload it (it's free), it will ask if you want to add your WMA to it. You then take your white USB cable that comes with your iPod and plug it in. This is also your charger! It should then open iTunes and sync your iPod.

There are apps you can add to your iPod. However, you need an iTunes account which I haven't done. You need a credit card to do this which I think is stupid as this product is aimed at teenagers who don't have these.

The biggest problem I have with the iPod touch is the battery life. Watching 5 you tube videos which are only 3 minutes each (15 minutes) is enough to drag the battery down the it's very last bar. Also doing anything on it other than listening to music with it locked will eat the battery. One very annoying feature is that when you shake or move the iPod the song changes. When you first use yor iPod, you may feel like when you are walking with it in your pocket, the song will continuously change. It does not state this anywhere, but from one consumer to another, I'm telling you that when listening to your music you MUST press the black button at the top of your iPod (which will switch the screen off) and this will lock the iPod meaning you can listen to your music with it changing. If you have an internet connection available, and wish to listen to music from a you tube video you can't do the same. You must leave the screen unlocked to listen to you tube videos. However, you tube videos won't change if you move it.

You can add a variety of apps to your iPod but you need an account to add them. You can use the internet if you have a wifi connection.

The iPod is pretty long and I feel as if when I am carrying it about it sticks out of my pocket. Which is a bit dangerous as it may fall or be stolen. I have managed to smash the screen of the iPod, which is not covered in the free 1 year warranty. However, I dropped it a good few times and it remained perfectly fine.

The iPod touch is £126 from the Apple website. If you are looking for a fancy iPod with internet, somewhere to stored notes and numbers, play games (whilst eating your battery) then this is for you.

If you just want something to play music and look fashionable, chose a different type of iPod. And buy different earphones!