Apple iPod touch (8GB, 2nd Generation) - Expert Reviews

Award: Editor's Choice!

Review summary: The Macworld team take a look at the first iPod to integrate the iTunes Store.

Pros: Fantastic multi-touch interface, slim design, scratchproof screen, Safari web browser in your pocket, YouTube access, large screen is video friendly

Cons: Limited hard drive size, screen smudges easily, lack of Flash in Safari, intentionally hobbled functions - such as no Mail application, limited Calendar functionality

Verdict: We would argue that at £199 for the 8GB model, the iPod touch is better value than the iPhone. Certainly with the iPhone lacking that all-important 3G functionality that many people crave, it may be wise to go for an iPod touch now, and wait for Apple ...

Award: Editor's Choice!

Review summary: The second-generation iPod touch includes features that are light-years ahead of the competition, its design has improved, and its price has finally come down to earth.

Pros: Has it all: Music, videos, photos, podcasts, email, Web browsing, Internet radio, games, Nike+, Wi-Fi music downloads, and an App Store for adding thousands of custom features

Cons: May be overwhelming to users looking for a simple music player ; audio quality is average ; iTunes software is required

Verdict: Apple's Cover Flow music menu is a bit useless on the smaller screens of the iPod nano and iPod classic, but it's a fantastic way to browse music on the iPod touch

Review summary: The second-generation iPod touch is said to be the most fun iPod yet, now sporting a sleek design and more features.

Pros: Attractive design ; smoother web browsing ; supports numerous third party applications and games ; great music playback ; brighter screen

Cons: Built-in speaker too soft ; Safari still doesn't support Flash videos

Verdict: And if you are looking for a device that does more than just play music and videos, you can't go wrong with the iPod touch.

Review summary: With its beautiful screen and Wi-Fi, the touch subtracts your computer from the song-management equation. Throw in Web browsing and this gizmo may even remove the computer from your bag. After all, why lug a laptop when you can email, surf, and ...

Pros: Movies are simply delicious on the huge, 480 x 320 screen, and it doesn't get hot during playback. So feature-packed it's almost a stand-alone computer

Cons: Version 1.x owners have to pay for upgrade to OS 2.1. Battery life could be better, and 8 video playback stops when power dips below 10 percent

Review summary: Is this the "funnest" iPod ever?

Verdict: So what do we think of the iPod touch? There is no doubting the feature set and the range of possibilities on offer here, but without the mobile phone connection it is less useful whilst on the move. Coupled with the size it is beaten both on price ...