Apple iPod Touch (2011) with FaceTime, Retina display and HD video recording

Apple's holy trinity of 'i's has been a massively potent force in the electronic market in the recent years, but it was the iPod that started it all. And after ten long years and more than 300 million units sold, the iPod is back again in its latest avatar of iPod Touch 2011. Originally, the fourth generation Touch version made its debut about a year back. It was a magnificently comprehensive device in its own right, with a portable media player, personal digital assistant, handheld gaming console and a Wi-Fi internet medium - all fused into one. But this time along, Apple wants to up the ante even further by integrating the plethora of features that comes with the new and powerful iOS 5.

Apple iPod Touch

What is it?With the introduction of the 2010 version of iPod Touch, the designers ingeniously infused two separate camera systems in the device. The FaceTime camera among these was lauded for its enhancement of overall user interaction. But this time around Apple has focused more on the device's performance. Though, the feature shift in this endeavor was always in the pipeline with the bittersweet debut (on the same day) of Apple's fifth generation of operating system - iOS 5.

Key features

Design wise, the form has not been changed at all from the 2010 version. The only significant visual alteration is the fact that iPod Touch is now available in plain and pristine white (mirrored on the back side). So, dimensionally the A4 powered device comes unchanged at 4.4 x 2.3 x 0.3 inches with 3.56 ounces in weight. The dual camera system is also relatively the same with the rear facing camera's ability to record videos in HD (720p), up to 30fps and capture photos up to 960 by 720 pixels of resolutions. The front FaceTime camera offers lower resolutions with VGA-quality for both photos and videos.

The similar design also calls for the retention of the super cool 3.5 inches Retina display with 960 by 640 pixels resolution (at 326 pixels density per inch), along with the usual paraphernalia of a headphone jack, a speaker and a 30-pin connector for USB. Connectivity is still limited to Wi-Fi, with no 3G support.

Now, up till this point people may ask - then why release a newer version? The answer lies in the software rather than the hardware. This iPod Touch will have full iOS 5 support, which sort of shifts some of the core functionalities of the device.

What's innovative?

In simpler terms, the iPod Touch 2011 makes its transition from just being a portable music/media player to a full fledged messaging device. The new operating system brings along with it a myriad of new features, which ranges from home screens to iCloud.

The welcoming screen now includes the addition of three icons Messages, Reminders, and Newsstand. The visual alterations may be subtle, but the functionalities are certainly revamped. Users can now delve into the iCloud with options of iTunes, Photo Stream and Documents. Another important user oriented feature is the Notifications, with its accessibility to a great many other apps.

Price and availability

The 2011 iPod Touch made its commercial debut on 12th October. Pricing for the base model has actually been lowered from $229 to $199 (8GB), but higher capacity (memory) models are still priced at $299 (32GB) and $399 (64GB).

Accessories

This iteration in its package comes with the usual bundle of a proprietary USB cable (for connection and syncing with the computer) and a pair of Apple earbuds.

The up side

The iPod as a portable music player is very impressive in its own right, and this experience gets even richer by introduction of user friendly apps such as Pandora Radio and Netflix video streaming.

We have already touched upon the advantages of iOS 5, but the performance doesn't only score high on the software section. According to Apple, the 2011 version of iPod Touch gives 40 hours of audio playback or 7 hours of video (which is higher than 30 hours of audio and 6 hours of video in the previous version).

Other than that, overall gaming experience (since the 2010 version) is also enriched with the device's better display, gyro-sensing and arrival of A4 processor in 2009.

The down side

Some of us aficionados may be disappointed with the same look, though white is certainly a welcome addition. But in practical terms, the Touch has still some catching up to do with the image quality provided by iPhone. Oh yes, and the iPod still doesn't provide GPS and 3G connectivity.

Our experience

With the same sober look and minimalist feel, the latest iPod does make a good job of punching in an entirely new and advanced user interface.

The bottomline

Of course, we are still not bored with a 'collective' device that gives us tons of fun in a variety of fields including music, games and internet. As a matter of fact, in our book, the iPod Touch can be seen as a more portable cousin to iPad rather than a competitor to iPhone.