Apple Updates iPods - iPod Touch

This is Apple’s big initial release for the Christmas holiday. I remember back when MP3 players and the first iPod were measured in inches. The iPod was a device ahead of its time, at only .78 inch thickness.  We have passed the time of inches and centimeters; the new iPod is measured in millimeters, and at that it is only 8 mm thick. 

The iPod Touch fits a new niche in the market. It is slightly smaller than the iPhone, which has iPod capabilities. The screen is the same size and the design is fairly similar to the iPhone. It looks more like a cheaper version of the iPhone than any other iPod. 

Many people have speculated as to what the next iPod would look like. In general from what I’ve seen and read, they hit the nail on the head. It offers a widescreen touch-sensitive screen. Apple brought over Wi-Fi from the iPhone into the new iPod. This feature has been expected for a while and many people though it would be included. The iPod also has the Safari browser built in for web access. The U.I. is the same as the iPhone's with the phone parts removed.

I don’t see the iPod Touch becoming a long-lived device. The difference in price between the iPhone and iPod Touch is only $100. I think that the small difference for the full blown iPhone will drive people to the iPhone. Many people are waiting until their current cell phone contract is up before moving to the iPhone. The newest iPod seems to be a dumbed-down version of the iPhone. Eventually the price of the iPhone will fall and the difference will be minimal.  

iPhone

Along with all these new iPods released, Apple discontinued the 4 GB iPhone and bumped the 8 GB price down by $200. This puts the iPhone a lot closer to the price at which other smartphones can be purchased. This should help the iPhone sell more as more contracts are up and people are looking to upgrade. If you just bought an iPhone and feel like you’re getting cheated, don’t worry. Steve Jobs wrote on Apple’s website that anyone that bought an iPhone will receive $100 in store credit. While it isn’t cash in your pocket, it’s better than nothing.    

Next: The Future >>
 

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