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. Here is a review of this masterpiece from Apple that boasts of double the features of its predecessor, ipod touch 32gb 1st generation together with an enhanced hardware, all for a lesser cost.
Design:
Talking of design, it is subtle as you will not be finding any big difference from its older version, the first generation touch. It comes with an aluminum back super-shiny finish, that takes care of the undesirable scratches of your 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 vaguely altered rounded design together with the thinner edges, akin to the iPhone 3G, becomes apparent with holding it in the hand. An obvious addition to this model can be found towards its left edge, the volume controls, making the task of volume tweaking task extremely simple. The only thing that hits you first is, “how could have Apple neglected this with its predecessors” well, we are clueless too.
Yet another apparent addition to the hardware of the iPod Touch 32GB 2nd Gen is its speakers. A handy one if you are watching any videos with your friend. It also includes the Nike+ipod feature for the sporty ones. That said, it is rather doubtful if anyone would prefer carrying a set this large to jog. Otherwise, there is not much of a change in the terms of the dock connector, headphone jack sleep or home button arrangement.
Supported audio and video formats:
In terms of formats supported, this 2nd Gen iPod Touch looks a wee bit disappointing in comparison to the other rival MP3 players in current the market.
The supported audio formats include the following: Protected AAC (from iTunes Store), MP3 (16 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, AAC (16 to 320 Kbps), Apple Lossless, Audible (formats 2, 3, and 4), 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 supported video formats 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:
In terms of audio performance, the 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 well punctuated with decent synth effects and balance. If you have already decided to get this gadget, you will have to keep this in mind. The 32GB 2nd Gen black forces you to install version 8 of iTunes. 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 performance by way of display is fairly good, bright, vibrant and colourful. The onscreen keyboard is simply brilliant. It just doesn’t cease to amaze you with its ability to determine how touch registers the exact letter that you are 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. There is yet a rival to be born to match this multi touch capability from Apple. The reaction times look to be awesome with a great eye for detail. But yes, we will have to agree that some of the web based applications may take some time to react. Appropriate labeling of icons makes it a cakewalk even for a first-timer. Cover flow helps with scrolling of album arts. The Mobile Safari is awesome too. YouTube and BBC iPlayer both look to be far better in terms of viewability than rest of the rival MP3 players.
The other features:
This 2nd Generation 32GB apple iPod packs a whole host of features that includes videos, music, Safari Browser, podcasts, mailing facility, Wi-Fi Music Store, photo viewer together with a few utilities and almost looks to be a pocket PC as against an MP3 player. Well, if you are someone who is on the lookout for just a MP3 player, this one is not for you.
The iPod touch also looks to be neat gaming device also, thanks to the Wi-Fi App store. An App store that can be accessed from both your iPod and PC is packed with loads of entertainment that can be downloaded and enjoyed. You are also allowed to access the 3rd party “Made for iPod” accessories that upgrades you to a whole host of features like audio/video docks, Bluetooth transmitters, external battery packs and speaker systems. The only hitch is that you might have to register with the i-Tune store for you to enjoy downloads. Apart from the games, the App store has a slew of pay for and free applications, which you can download. Not only does Apple allow for download of i-Tune tracks, but has also managed to cover almost all of Wi-Fi capabilities provided by Touch.
The new Genius feature:
This 2nd Gen Apple iPOd also packs something called the Genius feature, which allows you to create an instant playlist of around 25 songs, just based on the musical characteristics of a single song. If you own a first generation Touch, it only takes a few pounds for upgrading the firmware to include the other software capabilities like the Genius feature that comes in the the second generation model.
Battery life:
Similar to its predecessors, this 2nd Gen Touch also has the lithium ion battery ticking inside of it. The good news is Apple has decided to upgrade the battery life in the Touch from a previous 5 hours of video playback and 22hours of music to 6 hours of video and 36 hours of audio. Then again, this playback capability may vary depending on the Wi-Fi usage and the the brightness of the screen.
Verdict:
This style icon from Apple comes with a reasonable price tag along with boasting of almost everything like video, audio, mailing, podcasts, Browsing, Games, Nike+iPod, App Store and Wi-Fi music downloads. Though it might seem to be a wee bit pricey in comparison to the current MP3 players in the market, you might find it both attractive and reasonable when you match the features with its price.
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 |
