At a Glance
Expert's Rating
Pros
- Great audio playtime
- Greater capacity for similar price of original model
- Genius playlist support
- Handy hardware volume controls
- Nike + iPod receiver built-in
- Less buggy OS
- Podcast episodes play one after another
Cons
- Video out requires expensive cable
- Video playtime not up to Apple’s estimates
- Doesn’t charge from older accessories
- Screen looks a little dingy
- Internal speaker tinny
Our Verdict
Touch-screen-based music, video, and game player
Is the 2G iPod touch the “funnest iPod ever?” If your notion of “funner” is an updated iPod touch is integrated hardware volume controls, a built-in speaker (low-fidelity though it may be); a curvier case; a warmer cast to the display; more capacity for the same price; and better battery life–and, of course, all the things that make the iPod touch such a desirable portable entertainment device in the first place (and I do mean the oodles of applications and games from the App Store)–then yes, Apple’s tortured use of our mother tongue is apt.–Christopher Breen