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Apple iPod Touch (8GB)

What a neat product!  I loved it as soon as I had it in my hands.  The screen was brighter than I expected and the capabilities more alluring than I ever dreamed.

My first impressions were that the iPod Touch is a really nice size .  It fits easily in a shirt pocket - or any pocket for that matter.  It is thin and very light.  I am always looking for ways to economize on the size and weight of all the gadgets I carry.  I held my old 3G iPod and my new iPod Touch in each hand.  What a difference!

iPod Touch's interface is really neat.  My friends and family were very patient - some were even as intrigued as I am - with the flick and roll interface.  Why couldn't everything be this sexy?  Also I can't believe how well the iPod Touch connects to wireless networks.  I found Wi-Fi hotspots in places I never expected them.  It was a new and great experience to sit with my morning coffee at McDonalds and view videos on YouTube and get the latest headlines off the CBC website.  And I could always participate in our national pastime by accessing the weather network to get the latest weather forecast or the current Canadian dollar rate.

There are so many great applications to justify the iPod Touch.  A real estate salesperson could use it for online and interactive review of properties with clients at their home or a coffee shop.  A wedding photographer could use it as a compact viewing device to show samples of their work to prospective brides.  Travelers could build and download pictures and videos of family events to take to distant family.  And the device can't be underestimated as a teaching tool.  So many How-To videos are now available, ready to go anywhere you go.  Having trouble replacing your sink taps?  Use your iPod Touch to watch a step by step video on how to make the swap. Apple has taken things one step further has made the device a little more functional.  They have just released a software update to enable users to add calendar events directly on the iPod Touch and iPhone...something they had promised they would do.

What I didn't like about the device is a short list.  I wish there was an easier typewriter interface however they say that practice makes perfect.  However there has to be a better way to key in website addresses or contact information.   How about a "T" key that when pressed displays a full screen horizontal keyboard with an input area so you can see what's been typed?  The other thing that was missing in my opinion is an email client.  Certainly Apple was sure to provide an iTunes client so that you can purchase music or video off the web.  The iPhone has an email client.  Why not on the iPod Touch?

But all in all it is a great product.  I rank it 4 out of a possible 5 stars.

If you purchase an iPod Touch I strongly recommend a case.  The surface coating of the iPod Touch is soft and they scratch up quickly.  Also, as much as I liked the "Black Look" I liked having the ability to change the look to hot red or another colour on my whim.