More than just an MP3 player! (Apple iPod touch 8 GB)

Member Name: nixtee

Product:	Apple iPod touch 8 GB
Date:	28/09/08 (254 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Play music, watch videos, play games, access the internet, your email and much more!

Disadvantages: Bigger than your average MP3 player, but then it also does a lot more!

Apple now brings us the new iPod Touch with it's sleek design, a built-in speaker (handy for when you want to share something with your friends) and lots of fun. This may be one of the more expensive iPods, but I can guarantee that the price is definitely worth it.

The iPod Touch is listed as an MP3 player, but it is really much more than an MP3 player. It is a digital player with many of the capabilities of a PDA.

Looks-wise, the iPod Touch takes it's looks from the famous iPhone. It's bigger than your average iPod (have you seen the size of the new iPod Nano's and Shuffles?!), but it's also a lot more fun! It's contoured, polished stainless steel back helps it fit perfectly in the palm of your hand. If you buy your iPod Touch direct from Apple you can have the back engraved, which is handy if you want to personalise your iPod Touch or give it as a gift to a loved one.

Not only does the iPod Touch play music, videos and show photos, it also has many other features (although some of these features require a WiFi connection).

iTunes - Access Apple's iTunes store straight from your iPod Touch, without connecting to your computer. Handy if you're away from home!

Safari - Access the internet via Apple's browser.

Mail - Access your email via your iPod Touch. I use mine to access my Gmail account.

Contacts - Use your iPod Touch as an address book! You can add addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, website addresses and other fields.

YouTube - Access the popular video website via your iPod Touch and view videos.

Stocks - Monitor your Stocks (not one for me, but useful for others, no doubt).

Maps - This takes you to Google maps where you can simply view a map or get directions. Handy if you're on the move.

Weather - See a weekly forecast of the weather on your iPod Touch.

Clock - View times from around the world, set the alarm, use the stopwatch or set the timer.

Calculator - Does what it says on the tin!

Notes - Make notes on your iPod Touch using the on-screen keyboard.

Settings - Again, does what it says on the tin!

App Store - Selecting this icon accesses the Applications section of the iTunes store, where you can download games and other applications for your iPod Touch.

The iPod Touch comes in a clear plastic case which, along with the iPod Touch, contains a quick state guide, an important product information guide, ear phones, a USB cable and a polishing cloth (because your iPod Touch will get covered in fingerprints, believe me!). The packaging is minimal and the clear plastic box is bearly bigger than the iPod Touch itself. Other manufacturers really should take note of this!

You will need a computer (Apple Mac or Windows PC) and iTunes to set-up your iPod Touch, but if you have any problems with this (not that you should, I found the process simple) I'm sure Apple staff will be willing to provide some help.

Using the iPod Touch is simple, you simply "touch" the required item on-screen. Volume can be controlled either via the controls on the side of the iPod Touch or simply by sliding your finger along the bottom of the screen. For certain options/applications you can use the on-screen keyboard - I found this easy to use, but I'm sure those with bigger fingers may not find it as easy.

The iPod Touch can also be turned on itself to make use of the landscape screen. This is useful if you want to "flip" through album/song artwork, view videos (TV episodes & movies) and play games.

The iPod Touch also includes Apple's new Genius feature which can take one song and create perfect playlists to match it.

I have only had my iPod Touch a couple of days, but I am enjoying running it through its paces. I have been using it to listen to an audiobook (John Barrowman's biography "Anything Goes", in case anyone is interested!), playing music & games, accessing my Gmail and watching YouTube videos. It's handy as I don't need to boot up my computer when I want to check email etc!

The iPod Touch 8GB costs £169 (with free iPod engraving from the Apple online store). I bought mine from Argos and also got a half-price leather case for £10 to go with it. The iPod Touch is also available with capacity of 16GB and 32GB.

If you want more than just being able to play music from your MP3 player, then the iPod touch is for you!

Summary: A brilliant MP3 player!

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