Ahhh Christmas, the time for family, the time to celebrate the birth of little baby Jesus, and more importantly the chance to get some cool gadgets as presents to review. Welcome the new Ipod Touch
I was skeptical of this device right from the get-go. Let’s be honest, touch screen devices are rarely decent let alone as brilliant at Apple are making this toy out to be. Reviews tended to slam the device, which after using the device for a good 4 weeks now (had it just before Christmas as an early present) I’d say it’s a little unfair as all of them seem to compare it directly to the iPhone, and this clearly is a media device, not a phone
So basically it’s a touch screen, widescreen video playing, internet surfing, organising, music blasting machine that is a true delight to use.
Let’s start with the basics, Music. Same as the other ipods, you can go through your music by viewing playlists, songs, albums or artists, and while playing the song, the album art will be displayed fullscreen on the ipod, with your normal play buttons and volume. In the top right corner you will find a track listing button, which will flip the album over and you can rate your song, and choose another song off the album. Place the ipod sideways, it opens up coverflow, which allows you to look at your library. Double tap the album of your choice and you will be presented with the tracklisting and off you go. This works extremely well, and seems to create a good experience for the listener, with easy access to rating their favourite songs.
Video play is gorgeous, and with a screen that is wide enough to actually make out people faces, and is a true delight to watch. The colours on the ipod touch screen are amazing!
Contacts and Calendars can all be synced with the software of your choice on your computer (Address Book and Ical for me) and keeping organised has never been so easy!
The real shock was the functionality of the Safari Web Browser! Just hook up to a WiFi network and you are surfing the web. Double tap the screen to zoom in or use one of the simple gestures to resize the picture to your liking. Much like music, put the ipod on it’s side to change the viewing perspective. I’ve gotten so used to this browser I’ve even done my online banking on it a few times
Yes it has no google maps, and no it doesn’t have ALL the features that the Iphone does, but it shouldn’t! It is an Ipod not an Iphone, and as an Ipod it is certainly better than previous versions. Once the size increases (currently only 8 or 16gb) the Ipod touch will be flawless.
And if you want those awesome Iphone apps plus others (such as IM clients for MSN, Yahoo etc) it can all be done so you can have the functionality of an Iphone, minus the phone :P. More on Jailbreaking Later 😛