Ipod Touch 16GB MP3
As the less-gifted
sibling of Apple's celebrated iPhone, the iPod Touch
has had to work hard to prove itself. Now in its second generation, Apple has
finally given the iPod Touch a chance to shine by lowering its price (an 8GB
model now runs $229), improving the hardware, and practically doubling the
features from last year's original model.
Design
Apple's updates to the iPod Touch's design are subtle, but the hardware has
definitely changed for the better. A slim volume switch now graces the left
edge of the Touch, making it easier to make quick volume adjustments. The
chromed steel back of the second-generation iPod Touch now mimics the rounded
design of the iPhone 3G, giving the device a slimmer
profile at its edges. Whether psychological or by design, the second-generation
iPod Touch feels less fragile than last year's model and makes the plastic
enclosure of the iPhone 3G feel cheap by comparison.
Minor improvements aside, the second-generation iPod Touch hardware is largely
unchanged. Both the first- and second-generation iPod Touch share the same
dimensions (4.3 inches by 2.4 inches by 0.31 inch), same glass-covered screen
(3.5 inch), and same arrangement of headphone jack, dock connector, sleep
button, and home button.