Apple iPod touch 32GB second generation
Apple iPods are always launched with a lot of expectations and buzz created already, and most of the times it has always satisfied its consumers and give them a kind of “wow” factor. These quality productions of Apple have been hardly challenged by any other MP3 players. The second generation Apple iPod Touch 32gb has been launched on 9th of September 2008 with a lot of such expectations and has certainly lived up to it. This 32GB version of the Touch certainly may give you the feel that the other MP3 player that you may own with a lower capacity as impotent. Here, we have reviewed this master piece of Apple with double the features of its previous model ipod touch 32gb 1st generation and improved hardware with a lesser cost.
Design:
Taking about its design, it is subtle as you will not be finding any big difference from its older version, the first generation touch. It has the aluminium back which is super-shiny, designed in order to avoid the undesirable scratches over this adorable set. The screen is the same as the first touch and i-phone3G, the 3.5 inch multi-touch display of resolution 480×320 pixels. The slightly modified rounded design and thinner edges, similar to that of the iPhone 3G can be noticed one you have held the set in hand. One rather very obvious addition to the set is the model was found in its left edge, the volume controls. This inclusion has made the volume adjusting task extremely simple. The only thing that would hit your brains would be, “how could have Apple neglected this in its previous version?” anyways, we did not find any answer.
Another noticeable addition in the hardware to that of Apple iPod touch 32GB Black (2nd Gen) is the speakers. A handy one if you are watching any videos with your friend. It also includes the Nike+ipod feature for the sporty ones. But it is questionable if anybody would take a set this large, while jogging. There is no change when it comes to the arrangements of the dock connector, headphone jack, sleep button and the home button.
Supported audio and video formats:
When it comes to the formats supported, second generation Apple iPod Touch 32GB has come to the down side when compared to the other MP3 players in the market currently.
The audio formats supported include AAC (16 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Store), MP3 (16 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, and 4), Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAV. It still does not offer support for the WMA files, but they can always be converted to the MP3 format using the Apple’s iTunes software. The video formats supported include H.264 video, Low-Complexity version of the H.264 Baseline Profile with AAC-LC audio; H.264 video, Baseline Profile up to Level 3.0; MPEG-4 video, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio.
Performance:
The audio performance of this touch is reasonably good and nothing to complain though can not be said to be spectacular. The viewing angle of the iPod has been improved a lot. The sound was decently balanced and the synth effects were punctuated well. If you have already decided to get this gadget, you will have to keep this in mind. Apple iPod Touch 32gb 2nd Generation black compels you to install iTunes of version 8. If you are not familiar with iTunes, then it would be a better idea for you to just spin through the software before you actually start using touch.
The display performance is pretty good, being vibrant, bright and colourful. The onscreen keyboard is brilliant too. It was never ceasing to amaze us to know how touch was able to determine which letter we were jabbing for.
Coming to the best and prominent feature of touch, the multi-touch capability, its so exiting to see how intuitive has it been designed to be. No one has been able to match this multi touch capability of that of Apple iPod Touch. The reaction time is extremely good and is with a lot of detail. But yes, we will have to agree that some of the web based applications may take some time to react. All the icons are properly labeled making it extremely easy for even the most novice users. The cover flow can be used to scroll through the album arts. Mobile safari is fantastic. The BBC iPlayer and Youtube, both are far better viewable than the other rival MP3 players.
The other features:
With a whole lot of features included like music, video, podcasts, safari browser, mailing facility, photo viewer, Wi-Fi music store and a bundle of other smaller utilities, the second generation 32 GB Apple iPod Touch seems to be like a pocket PC rather than an MP3 player. For those who are looking for a mere MP3 player, this one can not be their choice.
iPod touch has managed to be a good gaming device too, courtesy, the Wi-Fi App store. The App store which you can access from your computer or ipod, is loaded with a lot of entertaining stuff that you can download and enjoy. You also get to access the third party “made for iPod” accessories to upgrade a lot of other features like Bluetooth transmitters, audio/video docks, speaker systems and external battery packs. The only annoying fact is that, you would require an account with i-Tunes store in order to make any downloads. Apart from the games, the App store has a slewed of pay for and free applications, which you can download. Along with the ability for you to download tracks from i-Tunes, Apple has covered most of the wi-fi capabilities that Touch can provide.
The new Genius feature:
This second generation black colour Touch comes with the apple’s new Genius feature. This feature allows you to create an instant playlist of around 25 songs, just based on the musical characteristics of a single song. In case you are using the first generation Touch, you can just use a few pounds to upgrade its firmware to include the other software capabilities like that of the Genius feature that are available in the second generation model.
Battery life:
This 2nd generation iPod Touch also uses the lithium ion battery as the other Apple iPods. Apple has slightly upgraded the battery life from its previous 22hours of music and 5hours of video playback to 36 hours of audio and six hours of video. This playback capacity will vary based on the brightness of the screen and the Wi-Fi usage.
Verdict:
This style icon comes at a reasonable cost too, having all that is needed such as, audio, video, podcasts, mailing, browsing, Nike+iPod, games, Wi-Fi music downloads and the App store. Of course it might seem to a heavy cost when compared to the other MP3 players in the market, but when you put the features and price together, you would find it reasonable or rather very attractive.
Apple iPod Touch 32GB 2nd Generation - Technical Specification Details
| Model | Apple iPod touch 32GB second generation |
| Manufacturer | Apple |
| Dimensions ( H x W x D) in mm |
110 x 61.8 x 8 |
| Display | 3.5 inch (diagonal) wide screen multi-touch display |
| Resolution | 480 * 320 pixel |
| Interface | USB 2.0 |
| Audio formats supported | ACC, MP3, MP3 VBR, audible (formats 2, 3 and 4) , WAV, AIFF, Apple lossless |
| Battery | Built-in rechargeable lithium ion battery |
| Battery life | 6 hours for video play back 36 hours audio play back |
| Charge time | Fast charge time- 2hrs ( charges 80% of battery capacity) Full charge time - 4hrs |
| Memory capacity | 32GB |
| Photo formats supported | JPEG, GIF, BMP, TIFF, PSD (Mac only), PNG |
| Ports | Stereo minijack (3.5 mm) / dock connector |
| Video formats supported | MPEG-4 (mp4), h.264 |
| Play back modes | All tracks repeat, one track repeat, play list, random play/ shuffle |
| Ear phones | Yes (binaural stereo) |
| Photo viewer | Yes |
| USB cable included | Yes |
| Wireless internet access | Yes |
| Operating system | Apple Mac OS X 10.4.10 or later, Microsoft Windows XP Home, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP 2 or later |
| Special features | Multi-touch interface, Notes, USB 2.0 compatibility, Phone book, Genius technology, Web browsing, Nike + iPod support, Calendar, Battery level indication, Cover Flow, Upgradeable firmware, Date display |
| Mounting options | Arm band |
| Colour | Black |
| Included accessories | Docking station adapter Ear phone USB cable |
| Service & support | 12 months parts 12 months labour |
| Weight | 4.1oz |
| Box content | Apple ipod touch 32GB Ear phones USB2.0 cable Dock adapter Polishing cloth Stand Quick starter guide |
