I recently acquired an iPod Touch (2nd Generation model) and have been putting it through the paces. I am very impressed by the functionality of the iPod Touch compared to the original iPods (now called the iPod Classic). The unit has Wi-Fi internet access, a built in Safari web browser, email capability, contact list, calendar, iTunes, wi-fi syncing capability, YouTube videos, ability to install applications (via the Apple app store). Internet access will work if you are on a Wi-Fi wireless network, for instance having a wireless router in your home or on Wi-Fi hot spots such as Starbucks, Tully’s, and Peet’s coffee, etc. I was able to configure the email application to check 3 different email accounts.
10,000 apps. And Counting. - Macworld 2009
The iPod Touch is essentially a mini- computer. It contains most of the features of the iPhone minus the phone, built-in microphone, camera and GPS. (You can connect a mono microphone via the new headphone jack with Apple’s new in-ear model headphones or purchase a 3rd party mic adapter from GriffinTechnology or others). The storage consists of a flash drive (capacities of 8, 16 or 32 GB) which contains no moving parts, is less prone to breakage and consumes less power than the laptop based hard drives in the classic iPods. The screen is a touch screen and videos and images look very crisp and vivid. There is also an accelerometer – which senses which way you tilt the unit and will automatically rotate the web browser vertically or horizontally. Some games utilize the accelerometer extensively such as Labyrinth which requires you tilt the device carefully to manipulate moving a ball around a maze.
The Apple app store really makes the iPod Touch very versatile. Many applications are free or very low cost and extremely easy to install.
Recommended Apps:
- Word Warp – addictive text jumble game. Free version with advertising, $0.99 ad free version.
- AirSharing – lets you transfer, store and view folders, files and documents from your computer to the iPod Touch (ie. MS word files, etc). $4.99.
- Facebook – dedicated Facebook application. Free.
- AppSniper – displays apps that are on sale. Can configure to have it watch price drops on specific apps. $0.99.
- Wordpress – Post entries to your WordPress blogs. Free.
- Things – To do list manager. Can sync with their desktop application. $9.99. Desktop app $49.99
- Weather Channel – dedicated weather app. Free.
- Apple Remote – control iTunes on your Mac or PC with nice graphical interface and album art. Free.
- Flixster – View upcoming movie trailers, see review rating for each movie, local theater and times Free.
- Mint – Money Manager. Logs into all your accounts and gives you an overall financial status report. Free.
- Labyrinth – maze game designed after the original wooden box labyrinth. Utilizes accelerometer. Lite version Free. $6.99 full version.
- NY Times Reader – Can update NY Times stories via wi-fi and read after. Good for a train commute to work. Free.
- Lose It – Weight loss app. Free.
- Yelp – local reviews of restaurants, etc. Free.
- iBart – SF Bay area Bart train information. Free.
- Amazon.com – Order items, view items on your wish list, track your packages. Free.
- UrbanSpoon – fun way to find restaurants. Free.
- WeDict – Dictionary. Free. Pro version $5.99.
- Wikipanion – Wikipedia reference. (Requires Wi-Fi connection). Free. Plus version $4.99.
Music Related Apps:
- ThumbPiano – simulates a real kilimbo. $0.99.
- GuitarToolkit - contains a plethora of scales, guitar chord diagrams, metronome (with tap tempo ability) and tuner (requires an external mic). $9.99.
- Metronome – metronome. Free.
- FingerPiano – Piano keyboard, includes songs that you can learn via a piano type roll. $2.99.
- GuitarChords – guitar chord diagrams. Free.
- Wunder Radio – Internet radio stations from around the U.S. and around the world. $5.99.
- Pandora – portable version of customizable personal radio station. Free.
Guitar ToolKit application
If you are a musician, there are numerous applications and utilities such as Finger Piano, Thumb Piano, GuitarToolkit, GuitarChords, Metronome. Do you like to listen to internet radio stations? With Wunder Radio you can access radio stations all over the United States as well as other countries. I was able to find all of my favorite commercial and college radio stations in the San Francisco bay area and in New York. I located an old Italian radio station from Italy that my relatives would enjoy. Pandora and AOL radio are free apps. Starbucks provides has a free Music for the Holidays app.
What would I like to see in future versions of the iPod Touch? GPS, camera, a built in microphone, larger capacity flash drive, cut and paste feature (perhaps added via a software or firmware upgrade). The iPod Touch is truly a feat of great engineering.