I laughed at those spotty teenagers permanently tuned into the lastest download from Basshunter or Kid Rock. Now I am about to join their ranks minus the spots! Yes, Techno Phobe thinking of purchasing an IPOD touch.
Not knowing much about IPODs at all I recently paid a visit to the Apple Store in Regent Street. I have to say that I was very pleasantly surprised! My only experience purchasing computer stuff has been via PC World – which can be very frustrating as you very rarely seem to speak to anyone who knows anything much there! However Apple in Regent Street was different. I spoke to several staff who were very helpful and I was able to have a play around with the IPOD touch which I found quite easy to master.
At the moment I am trying to choose between the IPOD Touch and the Classic IPOD. I need to access the internet, E-bay and send emails quite regularly therefore the Touch is quite appealing. I also want to download various audio presentations. Here are the results of my research – would love to have your views and comments!
ADVANTAGES OF THE IPOD TOUCH
1. You can surf the internet (via Safari) and send emails from your accounts in any building displaying the Wi-fi sign – this is known as a “hot spot”. Increasing numbers of cafes, coffee shops and pubs are becoming “hot spots”. At the moment the most enthusiastic seem to be McDonalds (access possible at all branches in the UK), Starbucks, Café Nero and some branches of J D Wetherspoons Pubs. I have found a wonderful website where you can enter your postcode or your location and get information on the location of the nearest “hot spots”, see http://www.totalhotspots.com/
2. The Touch is very light and easy to handle. In fact, it could save carrying about a number of bulky objects as it has it’s own calendar, calculator and maps. You can even locate your own position on a map and get directions to your destination – very useful for someone like me with a bad sense of direction!
3. Another amazing application is being able to watch video clips from You Tube. This could be very useful for anyone who wants to improve their presentational skills. By recording your presentation and loading it onto You Tube you can watch it again and again. This should enable you to spot any areas for improvement that you would not necessarily be aware of.
4. Access to the latest news, weather and stock market reports.
5. You can add applications to the IPOD Touch from a wide variety of categories such as — games, social networking, sports, photography, reference, and travel. Some applications are free. The Touch – like your interests and hobbies – has great potential for expansion.
6. The Mail application on iPod touch allows you to view rich HTML email with graphics and photos displayed inline, as well as PDF, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, and iWork attachments.
7. You can download your favourite audio files, music and photos. The storage capacity with the IPOD Touch is lower than that of the Classic IPOD.
8. It is possible to personalise your desk top.
9. The IPOD touch offers an impressively pin-sharp view of your videos and websites.
OPERATING THE IPOD TOUCH
It is possible adjust the size and view of the screen. To access the keyboard click at the top of the screen. The keyboard can feel a little fiddly at first – you feel as if your fingers are a bit too large for it! – but you do get accustomed to it.
POINTS TO NOTE
Do you have a pc or an Apple Computer? You must stick to the same computer when downloading. The IPOD Touch is not compatible with both systems simultaneously.
You need to download iTunes before you can download anything onto the ITOUCH. In fact, iTunes is the only communication mode between a computer and the ITOUCH. You cannot simply copy files onto the Touch or use it as a back-up device.
Internet connection/surfing is much faster with the I-PHONE than the IPOD Touch.
CONVERTING ALL VIDEO FORMATS TO IPOD VIDEO
Please see http://www.ipod-video-converter.org/
COST
Several versions of the IPOD TOUCH are available :-
8GB up to 1,750 songs, 1000 photos £199
16GB up to 3,500 songs 20,000 photos, 20 hours of video £269.00
32 GB up to 7,000 songs, 25,000 photos, 110 hours of video £329.00