Apple iPod Touch : Is It A Deal? Depends on You

As I write there are boxes of Apple iPod touch’s on their way to a Best Buy or Future Shop near you. And now that the dust has finally settled from the announcements last night (from Steve Job’s and the Apple team), it’s time to really examine this newest offering from Apple. No hype just the facts. I should preface by saying I do not use Apple products, but if ever I was , the Apple iPod touch is the one the one that tempts me most. I don't personally have any issue with Apple. Actually, I learnt how to use computers with one back in the 1980's. I was a computer nerd at computer camp. And it was the Apple II all the way. In my personal life, however, my first choice even in 1986 was a Commodore 64. Anyway, back to the Apple iPod touch. I have used many wifi enabled MP3 type devices, so I come with some experiences and knowledge of what to look for. I base this on my use of the Archos 604 Wifi and a Dell Axim. First off, the complaint about lack of hard disk space by many about the Apple iPod Touch is misdirected. Sure it's only available in 8GB or 16GB versions, but that is to be expected. Steve Jobs did not say it, because it was assumed , I guess that people would realize that the Apple iPod touch is a flash based device, not like the "new" (old) iPod Classic. The simple fact is this,t he reason the iPod Touch “only” goes up to 16 gigs. The largest flash memory (and is not yet commercially available at this time) is only 32 gigs. Apple could not fit an actual hard drive in the iPod touch, so until the flash technology catches up, there is no point in groaning about it.

Parts of me is excited, as well, that the iPod touch is not being limited to the United States like the iPhone. I cannot lie, this left me with a bit of jealously. I love those type of tech gadgets and would have loved to see one in action. And it's also highly unlikely that any player in the Canadian Cellular industry (including Rogers) will allow the iPhone here. Atleast not until they do something about the cost of wirless access. A similar plan of 50$/month our American friends have from AT&T via Apple would be 200/months here. In short, don't bet the farm on iPhone coming to Canada anytime soon. Thank goodness for the Apple iPod Touch.

Okay so now with some praise comes the questions/concerns/points to consider:

1- Why is there no stylus?
I see that Steve Jobs is able to type on the Apple iPod Touch, but let's be honest, unless you have small fingers, typos are sure to be abound. Trust me, you'll need one.

2- Wifi is nice but...
I have Wifi devices and know lots of other users You know what the biggest issue most people have with Wifi. It's not usually connectivity. It's not being able to play file types. Think about this. If you wanted to watch the keynote address from yesterday on the Apple iPod Touch could you? What about streaming audio from you favourite online radio station to follow the NY Giants or Boston Red Sox? Peple complain the Apple iPod Touch has no games, but if it can read flash files, you can play a thousand different games.

3- Do you really want your credit card in a phone?
I assume if you wish to access the new Apple iPod Touch Wifi itunes store you need to load your credit card. Is that something you really want on your phone. What if your kids decide to download a whole bunch of stuff, or it's stolen? What about downloading music from other "non-iTunes" sources? Can you escape the Apple shpere?

4-Still no radio?
Okay so there might not be a streaming audio the way you want, but what about at least a radio? Sometimes you might not have wifi, but you still want the news, sports or weather. You're out of luck.

5- Price cuts
You knew this was coming. Good on Apple for now pricing the Apple iPhone the right way. Too bad it wasn't done at the start. You could see on Steve Jobs face it hurt to give that price reduction, but it will hurt Apple even more. Just look at the beating the stock took since the announcements:
People, don't like finding out they paid $200 to much, or for that matter an oboslete product (RIP iPhone 4GB). The Apple iPod Touch is 299.00 USD for 8GB and 399.00 for 16GB. Do you want to buy one only to see it get knocked down by $100 in a month. If cool and being first is your game, go for it, but most people won't. I think it's left a bad taste for everyone to see such "discounts". No one wants to be seen as overpaying in a culture crazy about the best deals. Nevertheless, I must commend Steve Jobs in realizing this quickly by offering 100$ in store credit to early iPhone users in an open letter late today. Most companies don't care about their customers. A take it or leave it approach of arrogance is not Apple's style. The question, is it too late for the general population who might not hear about this program?

Conclusion:
So here's what I suggest. Go to an Apple Store. You can find them at their website here: www.apple.com and play with the Apple iPod touch. Ask yourself: Does it meet your needs? Do you need a stylus or even care that you cannot listen to streaming audio? Personally I do. This is what I would use it for. Nevertheless, from what I saw, the Apple iPod touch has a lot going for it. Steve Jobs has shown he takes care of his customers, even when they do a price reduction. If you have the money I would think it's worth it. Just look at comparable devices. For example look at the Samsung 4GB MP3 Player With Bluetooth (YP-T9BAB). Best Buy lists this at $189.00 CAD. I have one. It's great. Now imagine double the space and add wifi, it's a steal at 329 CAD... In this case Apple iPod touch is a super deal. It would also, I think, also make a great stocking stuffer for the techie in your life. Personally, I'm going to wait for generation 2, and see if some of my wish list comes true :) Happy listening!