Apple’s Latest iPod Touch Closely Resembles an iPhone

Apple’s Latest iPod Touch Closely Resembles an iPhone

Apple’s fifth-generation iPod Touch started shipping on October 9th, almost a month after it was unveiled during the company’s iPhone 5 event. Avid Apple device users, including those who are plain curious, would soon find these digital players on sale in stores around the country. Even before you get your hands on the latest iPod Touch, let this review give you the good news- it is impressive, enough for you to think that it should have been the subject of everyone’s high anticipation, instead of the iPhone 5.

The iPod Touch, for years, have taken the backseat to favor the iPhone, in terms of design and features. The device, that is also running on iOS was even absent for a year. However, even the features of the 2 year-old iPod Touch, particularly its video recording capability and Retina Display, could not stop people from thinking that it’s been on the shelf long enough. The 2010 iPod Touch is still on sale for $199 and $299 for its 32GB and 64GB storage capacities, respectively.

The look of the iPod Touch has a slight difference with that of the iPhone 5. The device is available in bright colors, the edges are curved and the back is no longer a shiny steel. It even comes with a hand strap in the shape of a loop.

Overview of Specs

The new iPod Touch features a 5-megapixel camera and a video recording capability of 1080p, replacing the old VGA with 720p video output of its predecessor. Instead of the A4, the device now has an A5 processor and sports an IPS Retina Display, which is 4 inches in size. This is a welcome replacement to the fourth-generation’s 3.5 inch non-IPS display screen. In addition, the fifth-generation iPod Touch includes the improved Siri.

A Good Alternative to Other Devices

You probably would not need such specs on a Touch but it can be a great alternative to an iPhone. The digital device’s power ranks in between that of the iPhone 5 and the iPhone 4S. In addition, this small device is packed with features that can replace a handheld game console, a tablet, a simple digital camera and an audio/video device.

Some may think that the $299 retail price for this new iPod Touch is a bit too much for its 32 GB capacity, when one can easily get other smartphones at a lower price. Plus, the fourth-generation iPod Touch is now running on the iOS 6 and there are rumors that Apple may release an iPad Mini.

The thing is all the apps primarily designed for the iPhone 5 work on the new iPod Touch. It nearly feels like owning the new iPhone (without a number of features, of course) and it is somehow poised to become a trendy personal property.

Design

You would be surprised to know that the fifth-generation iPod Touch is thinner than the iPhone 5. It is only 0.24 inch thick compared to the iPhone 5’s 0.30 inch frame. It is also lighter at 3.1 ounces versus the iPhone 5’s weight of 3.95 ounces. Compared to the previous iPod Touch which is 0.28 inch thick and 3.56 ounces, it is way thinner and lighter.

The new iPod Touch feels a lot less fragile and more comfortable in the hands. This is probably because of its curved edges and flatter shape than the previous iPod Touch. The device is made of anodized aluminum in matte finish, making it feel softer than its predecessor, which sports a razor-thin, shiny steel finish. As mentioned earlier, the new iPod Touch comes in bright colors, as well as aluminum white and black, making it a more casual device to own compared to the 2010 version.

Strap Used for Target Market

Aside from that, the wrist strap reiterates the iPod Touch’s target market: families with kids. The loop can easily be snapped onto the back of the device, making it an easy item to carry when traveling. If you are driving for miles in a car with kids and you would want them to behave and to be entertained, you can rely on the iPod Touch, like many parents do so up to now. It also looks like Apple is expanding its target market, with this simple accessory, to include so-called iPod photographers.

The fifth-generation iPod Touch box comes with a pair of the new Apple earphones, the EarPod. You will also find a USB-to-Lightning cable in the package. However, do not expect the earphones to include a remote and the box to have an AC adapter brick for you. As for the Lightning , it is the only thing you are left with to charge the device, to sync it and to connect other accessories. The iPhone 5 and even the iPod Nano has the latest connector. This means that you need to buy either new accessories or an adapter from Apple itself. However, you must take note that using an adapter is not a guarantee that all the functions of an old accessory would work using it.