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September 9, 2008 6:49 PM PDT

First Look: Apple iPod Touch 2G

by Donald Bell
Photo of second generation iPod Touch.

The rounded metal back of the second-generation iPod Touch feels like a million bucks.

(Credit: CNET Networks/Corinne Schulze)

As expected, the biggest news with Apple's second-generation iPod Touch is its drastically reduced price. The 8GB version of the iPod Touch is now $229 (down from $299), the 16GB is $299 (down from $399), and the 32GB is $399 (down from $499).

The latest firmware for the iPod Touch (version 2.1) is available for both the first- and second-generation players, and adds support for on-device Genius playlist creation, Microsoft Exchange push e-mail, multi-language keyboard and dictionary support, MobileMe, multiple calendar management, contacts search, and a scientific calculator.

On the hardware end of things, we're happy to see that the new iPod Touch's lower price does not mean cut-rate construction. In fact, the new iPod Touch 2G feels sturdier and sexier than its predecessor, with a rounded chromed-steel backing that seamlessly wraps around the back and sides of the device much like the iPhone 3G. By popular demand, the iPod Touch 2G now includes a volume rocker switch just like its iPhone cousin, for making quick volume adjustments without fussing with the touch screen. A built-in speaker is also included, concealed within the body of the Touch.

Just like the iPod Nano 4G and iPod Classic 2G, the second-gen Touch now accepts microphone input through its headphone jack, by way of compatible iPod accessories such as the newly announced Apple In-Ear headphones. That may not seem like a big deal at first glance, but when you add in the iPod Touch's built-in speaker and App store compatibility, the Touch is starting to look like a ripe platform for VoIP communication over Wi-Fi. Time will tell.

Apple has also bundled Nike+ hardware and software directly into the iPod Touch 2G, leaving you to only need the Nike in-shoe transmitter hardware to activate the feature.

Apple rates the new iPod Touch at 36 hours for music (up from the first-gen's 22 hours) and 6 hours of video (unchanged), although mileage will vary based on screen brightness and Wi-Fi usage.

Click here for full coverage of Apple's "Let's Rock" event.

On Sale Now: $369.00 - $399.99
View the latest prices for Apple iPod Touch (second generation, 32GB)

On Sale Now: $274.00 - $312.99
View the latest prices for Apple iPod Touch (second generation, 16GB)

On Sale Now: $214.00 - $239.99
View the latest prices for Apple iPod Touch (second generation, 8GB)

Donald Bell is CNET Reviews' senior editor for MP3 players and portable audio, and one half of the MP3 Insider blog and weekly podcast. He also likes getting his hands dirty with digital audio tools for musicians and DJs.
Topics:

Music,

Gadget news

Tags:

Apple,

iPod,

2G Touch,

MP3,

Genius

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Add a Comment (Log in or register) (31 Comments)
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by brucemckenzie57 September 9, 2008 8:16 PM PDT
Is the sound quality on the Touch or the Nano's any better? I have the original mini.
Reply to this comment
by w01f September 9, 2008 9:08 PM PDT
I don't understand why the 8gb Ipod Touch is the same price as the 16gb one. Both are $299 ??!!??
Reply to this comment
by make_or_break September 9, 2008 9:52 PM PDT
Not how I read it: $229US for the 8GB, $299 for the 16GB version.
by djbarro September 9, 2008 10:50 PM PDT
The 8gb touch is $229. 16gb $299 and 32gb $399.
by ithomas94 September 9, 2008 11:41 PM PDT
no, the 8gig is now $229.99.
by magnusalpha September 11, 2008 9:45 PM PDT
The 8 GB iPod touch is $229, which is not the same as the 16 GB, which is $299.
by pelvis66 September 14, 2008 7:33 AM PDT
the gig is to get the 16gb because its at the same price but better memory
by teclogik October 1, 2008 12:59 PM PDT
dude the 8gb 2gen is 229 and the 8gb 1gen is 299 now its 200
by darkcd September 9, 2008 9:30 PM PDT
Looks like pretty good feature. Can I exchange my IPod touch with the new one? Can anyone guide me?
Reply to this comment
by make_or_break September 9, 2008 9:56 PM PDT
I second BruceM's question; is the SQ better? Firmware updates improved the 3G nano, but it still isn't as good as Sony, Zen and even Zune in terms of sound. The 1G Touch wasn't much better, if at all.
Reply to this comment
by lars47 September 9, 2008 9:59 PM PDT
@darkcd: Naturally. You go to a store (by car, bike, public transport) and do what's called a "financial transaction". Bascially that means that, in exchange for money (or a pledge of money through a credit card for instance), you get the device you desire.

Selling the old device is optional and could save you some money. If you are apprehensive about the financial transaction you could practice in front of the mirror.
Reply to this comment
by zschork September 10, 2008 2:30 PM PDT
XD
by DarkHawke September 9, 2008 11:58 PM PDT
I don't know if it's the increasing refinements to the product, the constant drum-beat from Apple, the fan-boys and the drive-bys, or they're just getting ever more shiny and techno-lust-inducing, but my resistance to joining the iPod sect of the Cult of Apple seems to be steadily weakening. This is a SERIOUSLY sexy looking thing now, and the important addition of hard volume controls is monumental. Are there ANY other iPods with such controls? I've never heard of such a thing before! Next thing you know, they'll give us Bluetooth, so you can use wireless headphones and a wireless remote with hard buttons to control play/pause, skip forward/back AND volume! ...Yeah, I know, but a man can dream, can't he?

The price of the 32MB model is still awfully chunky in this day and age of fast-dropping flash memory prices, but between the new look and all the nifty apps for both the "iTouch" and the iPhone, my resolve is swiftly leaving me. Help! Help! I don't wanna drink the Kool-Aid!!! ;) One question, though, and a probable stopper to any cultish ambitions I may be harboring: Most of my music is in Ogg. I know iTunes doesn't support Ogg, but is there any way, officially approved or not, to coax the "iTouch"/iPhone to play them? There's no way it's technically infeasible, but Apple being Apple, there's every possibility, if not probability, they've locked it down tight enough that any unauthorized solution is either impossible or too hassle-laden to use. Any thoughts?
Reply to this comment
by DarkHawke September 10, 2008 3:49 AM PDT
Well, just checked out the press conference video, so at least The Jobs got the remote part kinda done already with the new in-ear headphones. Covers all of my above bases except for the wireless part. Progress made, I guess!
by kincuri September 10, 2008 12:29 AM PDT
To play Ogg files in iTunes all you have to do is convert them to MP3! I know the quality isn't as great, but you can't argue with compatibility...

@W01F.... re-read the article closely...

@Bruce - I've used the touch, nano and shuffle at various points in time. They all come with pretty much the same headphone and have the same audio output, hence, all iPods pretty much have the same sound quality.
Reply to this comment
by DarkHawke September 10, 2008 2:59 AM PDT
Ummm...but then I'd just be playing MP3 files, not Ogg. You get the difference? I've also got around 4400 Ogg tracks, the transcoding of which would be a non-trivial task that I'd sooner avoid, if possible. Thanks for playing, though.
by technobrakes September 10, 2008 6:21 AM PDT
apple i think your touch is fantastic, the new built in speaker will be a god send, when i can eventually afford one. there's still nothing else like it on the market. well done.
Reply to this comment
by cummjejp2 September 10, 2008 6:59 AM PDT
Jeez, am I the only one in the world that doesn't care about play lists and such? I'm mainly interested in the apps and sound quality. If this thing gets enough development, I may be able to stop using my Japanese dictionary and only have to carry one device--especially if it allows manual input of Chinese Characters.
Reply to this comment
by Steve Bryan September 10, 2008 9:45 AM PDT
I suppose the price reduction (which is real instead of the illusion of the iPhone price drop) made GPS an unlikely new feature but that absence is my only slight disappointment with this product. I will be buying it anyhow (because the excellent chance of VoIP using wifi will be available soon) but true GPS (no, I don't care about assisted GPS) might have made this even more attractive as a development target.
Reply to this comment
by choefer12 September 10, 2008 10:53 AM PDT
@S Bryan: I don't understand - GPS in a device that relies on Wi-Fi connection? How often is one able to connect to Wi-Fi while uncertain of one's location?
by Piluso5 September 10, 2008 11:24 AM PDT
Does anybody know the release date in stores for public?? or is it already??
thx
Reply to this comment
by Seanathome September 10, 2008 5:43 PM PDT
Yeah... it's already out, Piluso! :) However, I'm gonna have to wait until Christmas in order to get one. It's still WAY above my price range for an MP3 player. ;)
by labazzo September 10, 2008 5:49 PM PDT
Why did the 8G only go down to 229 and all the others go down a full 100 dollars? Is apple afaraid to sell anything less then 200? Still can not afford one one. I guess I will by another brand.
Reply to this comment
by lars47 September 10, 2008 11:55 PM PDT
I find all iPods lacking in bass and fidelity. None of the review (not even those on CNET) talk about what I believe the most important aspect of a *music player* : how it sounds. Looks are important, usability... but it's ment for listening to music - surely the focus should be on sound quality.
Reply to this comment
by magnusalpha September 11, 2008 9:48 PM PDT
Have you tried using one of the EQ settings, and tried using headphones other than the default earbuds? I get lots of bass and fidelity, but I use the EQ function, and headphones that don't suck.
by smiling20 September 11, 2008 5:30 AM PDT
After much debate between iPhone and iTouch (I also own a blackberry and love knowing EVERYTHING is in one place, but the phone plans monthly made me think twice) I went ahead and bought the new 8GB iTouch 2nd Gen yesterday....coolest thing ever. If the store you visit doesn't have them on display, just ask. Chances are they haven't had a moment to change their displays :) If price is a cost, the new 4G Nano's are a way to go - 150 bucks for 8GB in a slim colorful package is a steal but if you want to present and have your information available to you in a sleek package, go iTouch. It's a fun way to have your everyday information available, from showing your pictures, to grabbing your emails, to figuring out where to eat (Urbanspoon is a pretty nifty app, save for the fact it doesn't store your last find). I love it because it's an easy way and fun distraction for me on the road since I travel often, and a great way for me to just separate work from my personal life. I'm sure I'll post again once I have the little guy around for about a month and see how it handles then. I'm sure my thoughts will still be the same!
Reply to this comment
by dulsin November 10, 2008 1:36 PM PST
These are seriously sexy devises but until they are large enough to hold my 11,000 or so favorite songs plus 3-4 movies I will stick to the 120G classic.

Call me when they ship the 64Gb Touch 3G or better yet the iPhone with 64+Gb
Reply to this comment
by bazcol November 20, 2008 7:10 AM PST
WARNING!!!! Apple have done it again messed up a perfectly good thing by getting to greedy by trying to stop 3 party accessories. Anyway lets cut to the chase I thought that i would upgrade my 16GB touch to a 32GB ipod Touch 2G bad move, I was aware that there is no jailbreak at the moment for the 2G but i thought one day there will be, when it arrived I was shocked that there is basically not a lot of differance apart from the speaker with volume control on the side well why bother Apple you need an earing aid to listen to anything coming from that, Not enough volume yes I have checked the settings. My Nokia n95 has better volume than this load of rubbish. Now to the part that really got my back up, I was at a friends and I plugged my ipod Touch into the docking station of his Bose Hi Fi and a message came up on the screen Charging is not supported with this accessory, after scratching our heads because my old Ipod Video and ipod touch 1st gen worked fine, so we plugged it into the mains via My Apple Charger yes Apple and would you believe it the same message came up. This to me is disgrace on the part of Apple If they wanted to change the charging dock why not give us a lead so we can plug our units into the mains like the Mobile Phone companies do, or should I say Celphone companies for our cousin's across the Pond, or better still leave things alone. This has done it for me I would not recommend this model to anybody and I think it should posted on all sites that Apple's Funnest ipod Touch is an understatement. Just a thought for the money grabing wiskids at Apple what do they expect us to do go out and by new leads for our Cars by new HiFi equipement I think not Apple. If I was Rich I think I would conceder taking them to court because there is nothing in the Quick start guide, its like having an Electric Car that can only be charged via a Computer useless. Very angree bazcol
Reply to this comment
by bazcol November 24, 2008 8:07 AM PST
WARNING!!! Yes that word again seems a regular thing with Apple I have come to the conclusion that Apple is run by Idiots. We over here in England have a Program which is run by the BBC called bbc iplayer which allows us to download progams which were on the TV for the last 7 days, this was advertised as a new product which works with Apples IPhone and Ipod Touch providing that you have an up todate TV licence sorry cousins this is not open to anybody outside the UK at the moment. Well it would seem that those so called wiz kids at Apple have not taken this into account when writing the new 2.2 software so now everbody who updated from 2.1 to 2.2 are stuffed as far as BBC iplayer is concerned because now it wont work with 2.2. So now it would seem that every update Apple comes up with is so bad that before long the ipod touch and ipod phone will be unuseable. why dont they just leave things alone I could understand updating software if it makes things better ie allowing us to put themes on our device of allowing us to go on free sites to download free games of all the things we are able to do with a Mobile phone or should I say Cellphone. also it would be a good idea to have a dont show this message again tab in itunes so for those of us who dont want to upgrade there pointless software dont have to. Apple Iphone and ipod Touch are a wonderful tool but Apple are going to be left holding a white Elephant if they dont come to there senses and give the public what they want not what Apple think we want. Nike+ipod now come on what a joke, make more money out of advertising no real benifit to us just a gimmic. My thanks all those hard working Cousins who spend a lot of there free time helping us to find ways of correcting the mess ups caused by Apple. Without there video's on YouTube I would not have been able to help my son restore his ipod Touch first genaration back to 2.1 software once again this should be what Apple should be doing by having a restore back to last software option in itunes not back to factory setting this is too harsh, not expect us to fumble around in the dark trying to find our own way out of there Mess. Once again Thank You YouTube keep up the great work that you do.
Reply to this comment
by SimonbUK November 26, 2008 4:58 AM PST
Hi

Ive had both touches and found it is average at lots of things.. The Sound and movie quality is average compared to Sony, cowan creative etc... There lots of games but are certainly not upto to the standrd of the PSP or DSI they are just blown up mobile games.. the WIFI is an interesting one on a mass market product, obviously only provided to allow YOU TO SPEND More money at ITUNES, GPS would have been mor esufull but no money to be had there....

I have two main issues with it and both are making me look around for alternatives...

1) Its not very reliable... Some appications fail and cause the ipod to crash, 50 percent of the time i have to connect to an ITunes to get the thing working again 25% of the time it needs a restore.. .. not ideal when u are away from home..

Ive never had a PSP or NDS crash..

2) The battery life is poor when using aplications, a fair few games result in a dead battery in 3-4 hours..

In summary when (not if) it is disabled for any reason you loose ALL your entertainment...

Regards
Simon
Reply to this comment
by Mikey23444 May 29, 2009 2:46 AM PDT
Hey everyone stop bagging the ipod touch when it is one of the best portable entertainment in the world!! i have one and love it with. It has many Kool features with no problem at all so yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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