iPod Touch 2G takes CNET Editors' Choice

Click to see our Crave photo gallery for the iPod Touch (second generation).

(Credit: CNET Networks)

Remember when the first-generation iPod Touch came out last year? The poor thing only had 11 Apps, couldn't e-mail, and the advent of movie rentals, games, and the iTunes App store were distant on the horizon. Oh, and 8 gigs would set you back about $300. Slowly, but surely, Apple kept upping the ante by adding more features and offering movie rentals, games, and finally, the App store. Still, the boutique price of the first-gen Touch made it tough to recommend, especially as the up-front price of the iPhone 3G dropped down to $199.

Now, finally, Apple has delivered the iPod Touch we've been waiting for, at a price that makes sense (although I still hope the 8GB version dips to $199 after the holidays). The second-generation iPod Touch is miles away from the device I first saw in September of 2007--the hardware is sexier, the features run rings around the competition, and the open-ended development of the App store can bring nothing but improvements.

No product is perfect, and there are plenty of legitimate reasons to turn your back on the iPod Touch (iTunes headaches, cheaper options, valuing simplicity over features). But I feel confident saying that the second-generation iPod Touch is the best portable media player I've used this year. As proof, I offer you my full review of the second-generation Apple iPod Touch, recipient of CNET's Editors' Choice.

[DigitalFrog]

I wonder if Apple is considering suing the weather bureau for naming the current hurricane iKE?

[tappy727]

Waiting is definitely good. Price is down and features added. And costing over $200 really does make me think a lot harder to get one. Doesn't support Flash, speaker isn't very good...

[mmntech]

The iPod Touch may be expensive but I think of it more as a PDA than an MP3 player. I had never been an iPod fan but this might be the first one I get. I do think the price needs to drop to $199 though since the iPhone 8gb is at that price point. If you can afford the monthly payments, the iPhone makes more sense. Also, us Canadians are still getting the shaft on Apple's products. The Touch costs $30 more in Canada than it does in the US.

[berckje]

What you are saying is true. I think the Ipod Touch is more a PDA than an MP3 player.
I bought the I pod Touch one year ago and I can say it is a good thing.
No problems at all with my systeem.
Lucky for me I bought it from a friend with 25% discount.

[trey68]

I'll never buy another portable music player that doesn't have FM capability. It's essential for tuning into the TV audio at virtually every gym in America.

[keegan95]

Don't buy it if you already own a first-gen Touch. Most of the new features are just in the software, which can be updated on an old Touch.

[ilovemyipodtouch]

I just got the ipod touch for my birthday yesterday. As you can tell by my screen name, i LOVE it!!!!
its sooooo cool!
it has so many features that i have been playing with it non stop for two days and i have yet to run out of things to do
Cons:
Battery Life

The only thing that needs improvement is the battery life.
I've had to charge it twice in one day because it kept dying.
but then again, i never even put it down. i was using so many apps, watching movies, and listening to music. but for regular usage, i think i should be fine...

well if you're unsure wheter or not to get it, GET IT! Go to an apple store and play with one and you will love it. trust me.

and for the person having software problems..maybe its a defect one, take it back or something. lthough, im 13 and it wasn't complicated at all for me so....maybe you are over thinking it or something.
Good luck trying to figure it out.

[ilovemyipodtouch]

Excuse the typos in that last post.
I'm also pretty sure I also had some grammatical errors so please pardon those as well.
:P

[Mikey23444]

im getting the ipod touch 2g in 5 days and cant wait coz it is gonna be so good!