Saturday, September 27, 2008

Got Myself an iPod Touch 32GB (2nd Generation)

After 2 years of usage, my old iPod Photo has died. I haven't a clue what happened. It just stopped while I was listening to it. Then it never worked anymore. It can reset but can't get into the target disk mode.

So I've got an iPod Touch to replace it. I hope it will last longer.

iPod Touch 32GB (2nd generation)
That's my trusty iPod Photo 60GB on the right.

iPod Touch 32GB (2nd generation)

iPod Touch 32GB (2nd generation)

iPod Touch 32GB (2nd generation)
The new iPod Touch comes in a clear plastic casing. There's not a lot of stuff. Here you see the screen cleaning cloth, stand, USB cable, earphones, quick-start manual and the iPod itself.

iPod Touch 32GB (2nd generation)
The plastic plate holding the iPod Touch must be bent to release the iPod. I tried pulling it was pretty difficult. You have to bend the plate.

iPod Touch 32GB (2nd generation)
Comparing to the iPod Photo. The Touch is incredibly thin. That's it. I'm sold. If my mobile phone goes, I'll be getting an iPhone.

iPod Touch 32GB (2nd generation)

iPod Touch 32GB (2nd generation)
This thing is very glossy on the front and back. The front is made of rather scratch resistant glass. The back is prone to scratch.

iPod Touch 32GB (2nd generation)
This is the Moshi slip in pocket for the iPod Touch. It can wipe fingerprint off effortlessly. But I still prefer the flip type of casing I used with my old iPod Photo.

iPod Touch 32GB (2nd generation)

iPod Touch 32GB (2nd generation)

iPod Touch 32GB (2nd generation)
The resolution and clarity of the screen is fantastic. Everything is sharp and clear.

Initially, I debated about whether to get an iPod Classic (refurbished) at half the price comparing to the iPod Touch. I've trouble accepting the fact that the iPod Touch doesn't work like an external harddisk, the way older iPods used to work.

I watch a lot of TV shows. And I realised that I'm getting busier and simply no longer had time to watch them at home. I had to watch them while I travel to work. Travelling's the only time one can do nothing and just sit.

Now that I have my iPod Touch, I must say that I don't miss the external harddisk function that much. If I need more space, I can get a USB flash drive, which goes up to 16GB nowadays.

After transferring all my songs, podcasts and TV shows, I realised I only managed to use less than 8GB of storage. I bought a 32GB iPod Touch. A typical TV show compressed for iPod viewing is about 100MB to 200MB. My advise would be for people to just get the 16GB model and get a USB flash drive, with spare change.

The construction of the unit is tough, but I don't really want to drop it to try.

User interface is smooth and responsive. Safari on wi-fi is not too bad, but can be improved in terms of speed — I'm an impatient guy. Video playback is good. Audio quality's just the same as my old iPod Photo, but it really depends on what earphone you're using.

This thing cost more than an xBox. If you listen to lots of music and consume lots of video on the go, this might be worth the money. For people who can't watch more than 5 minutes of video while travelling without getting sick, the iPod Classic is a safer choice.

Reviews on amazon.com are mixed though. And I still don't get how Amazon can sell the iPod Touch cheaper than Apple Store.

5 comments:

  1. Really nice thing this is! and nice review also (lovely photos!)
    cheers,

    ReplyDelete
  2. hey Parka, great post. I'm thinking of getting a 16gb one. My 4G iPod with color display (30gb) died last October after 2 years as well. But just 10 minutes ago, I dropped it on purpose after reading this - http://theappleblog.com/2007/04/23/ipod-death-and-rebirth/
    I know I sound like I'm advertising but it worked!! It's now charging on my MacBook. Now I don't know whether to get the iPod touch haha. But I think I'm gonna get la. Haha like you said, "That's it, I'm sold."

    ReplyDelete
  3. Parka how can I use a flash drive with a 16 gb iPod touch? I would like to get the 16 instead of the 32 and save some $$ but do not see how to add in a flash drive?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Snaffy - I don't quite get what you mean.

    The iPod Touch is a flash drive itself.

    I don't know of any way to replace the drive inside the iPod Touch.

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.