Apple iPod touch 8 GB (1st Generation) OLD MODEL
by Apple Computer
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Our Price: $399.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $90.00 (click here) Category: Network Media Player See more product details |
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Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Apple iPod touch 8 GB (1st Generation) OLD MODEL
Customer Review: Actually really good
Summary: 5 Stars
Let's set aside all the hype. I've used my iPhone for over six months (it was purchased for me at work when it first came out), and I can confidently say that for my purposes, this is the best smartphone I've used. I've previously used four different Palm and Windows smartphones, including two Treos. I'm not an Apple groupie and I don't even like OS X. But this is the smartphone for me, simply because it is very good at the things I care about most.
Most of what I do is on the web. My home computer is primarily a web terminal; most of my tasks are in web applications such as Google apps, and reading online. The iPhone was designed for my kind of use -- a very limited number of "desktop" applications, with most activity happening in the web browser.
Pros
- Excellent mobile web browser. Safari on an OS X desktop sucks; Safari on the iPhone is the best smartphone browser I've seen. The touch interface works well. Support for Ajax is quite good and nearly every web site is at least functional.
- Beautiful display, relatively uncluttered with user interface crap, so I can focus on content. I can easily read full NYT articles by scrolling on this screen.
- The POP/IMAP email client is also quite good.
- The touch screen is (mostly) a pleasure to learn and use.
- The software updates bring welcome improvements, for example custom web shortcuts on the desktop (a Palm Treo invention). It's sort of like using Google web apps; every few months, they give you something new to play with.
- Minimalist form factor: not too big, not too thick, not too many buttons. I thought lack of keyboard would be a problem; I've forgotten about it since then.
- It's an iPod too -- one less device. Yay.
Cons
- Internet access is TOO DARN SLOW. This is obviously AT&T's fault, not Apple's, otherwise this review would lose a star right here. I think Verizon would have been a better choice, but what do I know.
- A few little user interface gripes. Like, why is it so many taps to go between inboxes for different email accounts? These will get cleaned up.
- The update process in iTunes doesn't automatically back up the iPhone before installing a software update. One time the update process locked up and I had to reset the phone, and my last backup was a few days prior. But the backup restored fine.
- Relatively low level of integration with desktop apps. But, that's not the point of this device.
- No third-party iPhone apps yet (though it just became possible to develop them). But, that's not the point of this device. Everything I need is on the web (if I can just get it to download fast enough).
- Headphone jack only fits the included headphones. This is a typical mind-bogglingly arrogant Apple move (told you I wasn't an Apple groupie).
I've never seen a brand new, innovative device that was this useful right out of the box. That's why I'm giving it five stars despite some imperfections.
Customer Review: Lovely
Summary: 5 Stars
I received my iPod Touch as a gift last month. It has replaced my old Mini iPod, which I had been using since 2005. Considering the fact that the Mini and the Touch were purchased for about the same amount of money, I think the purchase was definitely worth every penny this time around.
Here are a few reasons why I love my new iPod Touch! Yes, I've only had it for a short while, but I think it's fair to say that I've had fair experienced with iPods and the iTunes interface.
1. Style
First off, the Touch is beautiful! It's definitely very sleek and easy to slide into my bag or even pocket (although it usually does end up in there). It's slim and has a simple design: on/off botton and one main button that controls back switches. I'd say that size is just fine--my hands are small but that size doesn't provide any discomfort.
2. Functionality
The iPod Touch offers loads of functionality! At this point I think you've familiarized yourself with the iPod's functions. In addition to streaming music and videos, you've got a lot of other features not offered on any other iPod, with the exception of the iPhone. There are weather, stock, email, and map "widgets" as well as Safari Browser, YouTube, and iTunes "links." Just get yourself connected at a Wi-Fi hotspot (which may even be your home!) and you're able to browse and surf the net like that! Having those features in one package is so convenient! The iPod, however, cannot replace the full functionality of a Mac or PC, but you're able to have several resources at your fingertips--literally!
3. Ease of Use
The Touch is super easy to use. You simply, when, touch your way through all the fuctions and music. Flipping through the album covers is a nice feature, as well as the design of the main screen. You can place your icons wherever you'd like, and not be confined to placing certain icons in only certain places. iTunes is also a breeze to use, and even if you're not familiar with it, learning to use iTunes is a simple process!
4. Value
You're definitely buying into a lasting piece of equipment with this iPod. Granted, Apple puts out new stuff all the time, but considering what the Touch offers at this point, nothing will get old too soon. Simply put, the iPod Touch has definite longevity.
5. Versatility
With all the different features available on the Touch, the iPod has evolved into a product of grand versatility. You have the ultimate multimedia machine in your pocket, which can perform a bevy of other fuctions as well. With the Touch, you can browse the internet, search through YouTube, find directions, watch movies (on beautiful widescreen) or simply, listen through your music library.
Overall, I'm glad I received the Touch as a gift. It's a lot of fun to use..I couldn't have asked for a nicer, or lovelier, present!
Customer Review: Beyond All Expectations!
Summary: 5 Stars
First off, I ordered this on a Monday and it came on Wednesday....using free shipping. Wow! Thanks amazon.
Now onto the product....simple, sleek, amazing. Set up out of the box could not have been easier. Make sure you have the most updated version of itunes onyour computer, plug in the USB cord and you're up and running. Give it a full 3-4 hour charge first time through. Load up your music, pictures, videos. The software is simplicty defined. If you can use a toaster over, you can use this device. The wi-fi immediatley found my home network (and my neighbor's). Setting up email: simple. Surfing the web: simple. And, oh yeah, using it to listen to music (ostensibly what it is for): a lifting and beautiful experience.
Might as well buy this newer version with the new software loaded. With amazon's discount, it only a few dollars more than the old version without the upgrade after you pay for it and upload it youself. Save yourself the hassle and get the new version.
So you know, this thing will get fingerprinted fast. I got a Griffin leather hard shell case with a protective screen cover for about $20.00. A bit pricey but worth it to protect your investment.
I went with the 8 gig verion for a few reasons and it's more than enough space. I am a music nut...I loaded it with more music that I can digest in two weeks and there's still 3 gigs free. Sure I'll eventually fill it (I guess...) but I really don't mind swapping music out for fresh music thereby making my ipod new and fresh again. I also thought if I somehow lose the thing, I'd be out a lot more money with the 16 or 32 gig version. But honestly, it's more than enough space for me.
The one caveat I discovered the hard way: shut off the wi-fi connection when you're not using it. I charged it up, thought I turned it off, and then went to bed. In the morning, the battery was fully drained. Instead of turning off, I only put the unit to sleep. (To turn off, you need to press and hold the sleep button until the power off slider comes on-screen and you turn it off fully.) And while it was in sleep mode with the wi-fi still on, it kept checking my email, etc, thus draining the battery. Just turn off wi-fi when you're not using it and you're battery will keep running.
Concluding, I love this thing, and don't know how I got by without it.
Customer Review: The iPod that's so much more!!
Summary: 4 Stars
I received this iPod touch as a gift for Christmas 08 (after seeing the television ad, I had to get one), and I can honestly say, I am not disappointed in the slightest. Apple has taken the iPhone, removed the cellular antenna & circuitry, and has truly made "the funnest (sic) iPod ever".
PROS:
-InCREDIBLY thin (8 mm!) and light
-Extra-bright, High resolution screen
-Beautiful design
-New software with the App store (TONS of programs, many of which are free)
-Built-in accelerometer (you have the ability to turn the iTouch on its side and watch videos/movies and browse the web in widescreen)
-WiFi iTunes store (you can buy music, videos, tv shows directly over wifi to your iTouch)
-Solid State construction (no moving parts - good for people who are prone to dropping their things(hi!))
-Touch sensitivity is spot-on
-Great sound quality
-NTSC & PAL video out
CONS:
-Touch screen is unfortunately capacitive (it works using electrical impulses from your fingers; i.e. styluses won't work), making it difficult for people in cold-weather areas (I've had to remove the tip of the thumb and index finger of a few pairs of gloves to get it to work)
-Capacity (for people with larger libraries...I, myself, have about 40 gb of music and videos, and it becomes hard to choose what to put on it! This could be more of a personal niggle than anything else, but I thought I'd get it out there)
-No physical volume control (you have to go into your music to change the volume...a bit of a pain for someone who plays a lot of games)
-Not a lot of natively supported formats (AAC, MP3, MPEG4)
-Still expensive compared to similar units (Sansa, Creative Zen)
-No SD card expansion slot for added capacity
-Docking port is a bit cramped (difficult to use with docking stations), headphone port in a strange spot (makes it difficult to unplug certain docking/data/charging cables without unplugging the headphones)
-Syncing of contacts/calendar entries/notes/etc could use some work
While the cons seem to be numerous, they are very minor compared to the pros...this is an amazingly fun device that does everything it promises and more.
Customer Review: An absolute gem!
Summary: 5 Stars
I was so intrigued by the Itouch that I was one of the first ones to run out and get one. At the time the 8 GB was the largest they had but since then they have released a 32 GB one. I should have been patient and waited but even with 8 GB I still haven't even filled it up halfway. Of course I don't have any movies or such on it which I hear takes up a great deal of space. But I do have tons of CDs and pictures..This is the most innovative product I have seen in a long time and what is so cool is being able to watch You Tube videos anywhere there is a Wi Fi connection. I think the videos actually look better on the Itouch vs a PC. I have since upgraded the software and love all the additional features! About the only complaint I would have is that I wish the battery life would last longer and that when it comes time to replace the battery that you wouldn't have to send it in to have it done.
The integration with Itunes is seamless and I have become somewhat of an addict downloading all my favorite classic rock so I could have it readily available to play in my car. That's the beauty of having this gem..being able to hook it into the auxiliary jack of your car stereo and listening to your whole music collection. Also being able to set up an "On the Go" play list of your favorite tunes from your whole database of music is a plus! Loading all your precious digital photos on it is also a great plus! You can practically share your whole photo album with friends and family! The earphones that come with it give a great sound and I've picked up some portable speakers to hook up to it work great when you want to share with friends etc.
The look of it is sheer beauty and the touch sensitivity is absolutely amazing! Surfing the web is probably not the best thing to do with a device like this but you do have that option which makes it rather pleasant. My favorite things to use it for are listening to music in my car. And watching You Tube Videos! The ability to bookmark all your favorite videos is a feature I like and the album cover art that accompanies your CD uploads and downloads from Itunes is such a cool feature!
All in all a great package and worth every penny! Apple did good!