Okay, so it’s actually been more than a week (give or take a few days) – but I thought I would chime in on my impressions of the iPod Touch 2G 16GB.
In a nutshell: I love it.
I truly understand what the hype is around this device, now that I’ve spent some time with it. The iPod Touch is very intuitive and earns high marks for its overall looks. This was to be expected, of course. Where the unit really shines, in my opinion, is in the quality of the bundled applications.
The iPod Touch has single-handedly replaced my alarm clock, calculator, calendar, and to-do list device. In addition to being incredibly useful in my outings, it’s also a fantastic entertainment device. The screen is razor sharp. Images are vibrant and rich. Audio, through the headphones, sounds great as well. (The external speakers are a bit tinny, though.) The volume control on the side of the device is convenient.
The iPod’s touch screen works remarkably well, even with the on-screen keyboard. The only negative thing about touch screens is the finger prints they leave on the device, but this is easily solved with a soft, non-abraisive cleaning cloth. I also use (and strongly recommend) iKlear’s Apple Polish. It’s safe to use on LCD screens, and is actually recommended by Apple.
Downloading and installing new apps is incredibly easy, too. I’ve found a slew of useful applications to add to the unit, all free. Integration with the App Store works well, and apps generally download in under a minute.
Battery life on the 16GB iPod Touch is fairly decent, too – but I haven’t taken any specific measurements. For my day to day usage of the device, I generally have to charge the unit once every two days.
I was torn between the 8GB and 16GB model. In the end, I opted for the larger size – the price differential between the 8GB model and the 16GB model was $50 for double the space.
It’s only been a week, but some of my favorite apps on the iPod Touch are:
- Twitterific: free client for Twitteraholics
- Flixter: check on movie times, trailers, and upcoming DVD releases
- Labyrinth LE: fun wooden puzzle game (reminiscent of the ones I used to purchase for long car trips)
- Amazon Mobile: great for comparison shopping and ordering from Amazon (it’s almost too easy with their one-click-to-buy button
- Exposure: view your Flickr photos
- Wikipanion: access a mobile-friendly version of Wikipedia
- i.TV: TV listings – like an electronic version of TV Guide
- Remote: control iTunes on your Mac – via wireless remote
What are your thoughts on the iPod Touch? Which apps do you find indispensible? Sound off in the comments below.
-Krishna
I give you a months and you’ll have an iPhone ;-)
Sorry, six months.
I love my 8GB 2G, works great for me. I still need to get a case though. (Thanks for your case review I may get it!) While it isn’t free, you should check out the app Byline, a really great Google Reader app with offline reading. :)
As much as I covet an iPhone, I despise AT & T. Now, if the iPhone ever gets carried by Verizon, I am so there…
Instead of “i.TV”, try “What’s On?” The interface is MUCH better, and it lets you track your favorite shows, telling you when they’re on. No searching needed!