Apple iPod Touch 8GB Review

Until the release of the iPhone 4 in September 2010, this was probably the only other Apple product in the (i)range that gave Steve Jobs a lot of headaches. He launched it with the intention that it would be a practice for a touchscreen iPhone, but since he had promised an iPod, and Apple is Apple, the market was not going to let him get away with it.

It’s hard to imagine why Apple would release a product that had low storage, screen issues, poor battery life, and was very expensive, but that’s exactly what they did. However, putting it in order has resulted in a magnificent iPod, truly the best it could have been.

The revamps included the addition of apps that had been deliberately omitted that made it less than comparable to Apple. They added a $20 software upgrade, which was closely followed by another one for $10 and started selling the gaming potential of the 8GB Apple iPod Touch. They cut the cost by as much as $100, and while initial buyers complained about all the new additions and improvements, Apple managed to attract a lot of new buyers.

They physically redesigned it for a better feel; it was much more manageable and much lighter, added a chrome bezel, and improved battery life. More importantly, Nike+Apple’s much-sought-after software was included at no extra cost, perhaps a way to put a frown on the market.

Characteristics:

1. Its extra storage capacity means you can store up to 1750 songs, get 10 hours of video, and pack up to 10,000 photos.
2. Improved battery life allows for great playtime – you can get up to 30 hours of music and 6 hours of video. It’s also notable because most all-in-one touchscreen devices will hardly ever give you that much battery life.
3. It is Wi-Fi enabled, another feature that surprised Apple fans. Now you can browse and access email on the 8 GB Apple iPod Touch, making it a true iPhone without a phone. It uses Safari, the best web browser for mobile devices and it will be able to scan wireless networks if it finds them.
4. Its Bluetooth enabled.
5. It has an internal speaker which is said to improve sound quality, but if you’re looking for really great sound from Apple, go for an iPhone.
6. Nike+iPod software means you don’t have to buy any additional devices to measure vital signs when you exercise.

It’s a great thing that Steve Jobs took such a beating from iPhone and iPod lovers, because it was ultimately the birth of much better touchscreen wi-fi devices. Maybe if he had done a good job the first time, he wouldn’t have been under pressure and we wouldn’t see all the good we do today.

When all is said and done, as far as iPods go, the 8GB Apple iPod Touch had plenty of hiccups, but today it’s as good an iPod as any.