[rating:5/5]

My previous iPod, a 5th generation 60 gig video iPod has now getting a lot of use in my car (I can connect it directly to the car’s sound system) and I was getting tired of constantly taking it in and out. On top of that, I’ve been consistently frustrated with functions like calendars and contacts on my cell phone (because it is just too small), so I thought I’d waltz into an Apple store to find another iPod I could use for everyday stuff (other than driving). At first, I looked at the latest iterations of iPods with video and, at the last minute, decided to take a look at the iTouch – I did this primarily because my iPod video has been rather cranky (it has a mechanical hard drive which has acted up). As I had no intention of getting an iPhone (I hate ATT), I really didn’t think there were other options, such as the iTouch that were available. I’ve got to admit, that from the moment I started playing with one, I was absolutely amazed at the user interface and the ease with which it is used. So. . .I ended up getting one.

A few days after I bought it, Apple announced their “upgrade” for $20 – that, of course, was a really stupid move on their part and I was disgusted. As I had just bought the iTouch a few days earlier, I called the Apple store and whined. After a bit of a fuss, they refunded me $20 (plus tax) which I then applied to the new upgrade. Since then, I’ve been in love with this device. Without question, it’s one of the best designed, most user friendly devices I’ve ever used – I’ve really never read the instructions (something which I did have to do with my other iPods).

I find the touch screen to be exceptionally intuitive and the interface to be extremely user friendly. One can only wish that other hardware/software developers would take so much care in designing new products.

I’ve only got a few minor gripes (so far) – 1) The “keyboard” that appears on the screen is a bit too small for my fingers (although I’m getting more adept at using it), 2) The Safari (wireless) browser REALLY needs to add Flash to their interface, and 3) I’ve got the 16 gig version – granted, that’s a HUGE amount of space (think of how much memory that really is) but I can’t fit everything I want on it. Okay, so we’ve become memory hogs. That problem; however, isn’t critical as I simply only put my most favorite music and video on (heck, that’s about ten solid days worth of music, if not more).

As far as video is concerned, the iTouch has a beautiful display – it’s so sharp and very easy to view. I’ve also found that it is cheaper (sometimes much, much cheaper) to buy MP3’s from Amazon than to go through iTunes. I’ve also been extremely pleased with the quality of the sound.

All in all, the iTouch is a fabulous device – it’s thinner than my iPod video (because the iTouch is solid-state – no hard drive) and fits very nicely in my pockets, even with a case.