The recent Apple event that gave birth to the iPhone 4S and the whole 2011 line-up of iPod devices has been a source of contention among Apple fanboys and detractors alike. Some say that this is the end of Apple Computers as we know it and the company is going to experience a slow and painful death starting this year.

A few weeks after, the iPhone 4S has sold in millions, successfully shutting up various critics and know-it-alls.

Still, looking at the iPhone 4S and the whole 2011 iPod line, it’s quite obvious that Apple simply regurgitated their old models and repurposed them as “new”. Since reviews editor Vic has already written a full hands-on review of the iPod Touch last year, I’ve decided to cut out some parts of his review and add my own 2 cents. Excerpts from Vic’s review is colored white (of course!) with my comments after each excerpt.

“The squared off, almost masculine design of the iPhone 4 does not show up in the new Touch – it still has slippery curves and round edges. So far, this hasn’t worked out well for me – I’ve had several near accidents and I recommend any Touch owners invest in a protective case.”

I love the design of the iPhone 4 and it was a bit disappointing that Apple decided to retain the old look of the iPod Touch. I agree with Vic though, the iPod Touch is a tad too slippery and getting a protective case should be a priority for any iPod Touch owner

What comes with the iPod Touch? A pair of earphones, a USB charge/sync cable and a couple of Apple stickers

“The much ballyhooed Retina Display, with its impressive pixel density, truly elevates the 4th generation Touch to a new level. You don’t appreciate just how good it is until you move back to the previous generation screen and realize the difference – it’s like eyesight before and after LASIK surgery. Fonts are incredibly crisp and clear and there’s not a pixel to be seen. However, it’s not quite the same screen that’s in the iPhone 4. When viewed off axis, at an angle, the iPod Touch suffers considerably while the iPhone remains readable and usable.”

The screen is absolutely gorgeous and even after being two years old already, the iPod Touch’s Retina Display remains as one of the best screens in the mobile device segment. Pictures, games and HD movies looks really good on the iPod Touch.

“While it may usurp some of your phone’s duties, it will definitely not replace your pocket camera. The quality of the front facing camera was really only meant to support video chat, so it is excusable, but the rear-facing main camera is hardly much better. Photos from the 960×720 sensor are muddy in low light and unlike the iPhone 4, the iPod Touch does not possess an LED flash. Even in the best of lighting (I took the Touch to the beach) your still photos will be webcam quality, at best. Video recording, on the other hand, is decent for a device this size, and you can edit your footage too!”

While the camera of the new iPhone 4S is poised to become the best, the camera of the iPod Touch was neglected and the same old shooter remains. With the popularity of iOS apps like Instagram and Hipstamatic, it’s a wonder why Apple didn’t capitalize on it and gave the iPod Touch a better camera. I know I’m not the only one who was disappointed.

The white iPod Touch, a gorgeous media player with a gorgeous screen

Bottomline:
The 2011 iPod Touch is the same old device that was released back in 2010, only this time, it’s available in white. If you’re looking for a good Personal Media Player (PMP) and you skipped out on the 2010 iPod Touch model, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t get the iPod Touch as it is still the best PMP around. If you already have the iPod Touch 4th Generation, albeit in black, there is absolutely no reason for an upgrade. Unless of course you’re one of those people who must have every Apple product in white. That said, the White iPod Touch looks really, really pretty though.

Price:
iPod Touch 8 GB = Php 11,490
iPod Touch 32 GB = Php 16,990
iPod Touch 64 GB = Php 22,990

Availability: PowerMac Center, Digital Hub, Beyond the Box, Switch, iStudio and The A Shop

Howard

Gadgets and video games are what Howard loves and he was fortunate enough to have dabbled in both worlds professionally. A former Editor-in-Chief of a local gaming magazine, Howard is currently busy jumping from one industry to another, analyzing and writing about all of the electronic toys he loves. His favorite noodles: Pork Leg Bihon.

email: howard@technoodling.netwebsite: http://www.technoodling.net