New "Multi-Touch User Interface" (with CoverFlow) similar to the user interface found on the iPhone
Wireless web browsing (Wi-Fi 802.11b/g) via built in Safari browser
What's Cool
an absolutely stunning display, especially when viewing content that was originally captured or encoded in HDTV or DVD format, exported/converted to .m4v for import into iTunes then sync'd with this device.
Apple's new "Multi-Touch User Interface" (great for interacting / browsing your portable media via CoverFlow) is simple, intuitive and fast – a real winner!
although it has slight limitations (let's call it a "semi-walled garden" that doesn't currently support most of the popular free web mail services) the built in Safari Web Browser on the iPod touch is clear, crisp and useful for browsing web pages, entering text, bookmarking, etc.
we think it's true what they say about the iPod touch keyboard... after a few hours, text entry is a breeze.
Good Stuff to Know
iTunes CoverFlow technology on this device makes for an absolutely delightful (and fast) browsing, searching, finding and LISTENING experience!
in the box: the iPod touch, Earphones, USB 2.0 cable, Dock adapter, Polishing cloth, Stand and Quick Start guide
System Requirements: OS 10.4.10 and iTunes 7.4
Apple has changed the "video out" option for the new iPods which requires new iPod dock hardware that supports composite and component video connections
syncing iTunes content to a Compact Flash memory based device (like the iPod touch) takes a bit longer than with hard drive based iPod's so give yourself some extra time for syncing movies and video files.
although there's been lots of talk of Adobe prepping an H.264 version of Flash video and YouTube apparently in the process of converting all their existing content to the H.264 standard, the iPod touch Safari Web Browser doesn't support Flash video. We'll stay on this issue and update you as we're able.
and just so you know.... the iPod features on both the iPod touch and the iPhone are virtually identical, as is the revolutionary "Multi-Touch User Interface". iPhone's aren't available or supported in Canada yet but it's worth mentioning that once you start accessing the Network Features, Functions and Services of any phone company or wireless carriers it's a whole new ball game! We'll provide more comment and analysis on this subject in upcoming posts.
BeamEcho's bottom line on the iPod touch is – this thing is awesome. Come in a take a look and listen for yourself!
Great Add-Ons
once again the Turbo264 from Elgato really shines for encoding H.264 video so you can quickly create, import, sync and view a wide range of personal video content with your iPod touch via sync iTunes!
Elgato (makers of H264 Turbo and EyeTV software) just released a free update to EyeTV that supports export of video content specifically to an iPod touch and iPhone format and it also supports WiFi streaming of video to these same devices. Very cool.
a LaCie External Drive, to store your encoded personal video collection is probably a good idea.
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