Apple describes it as (with apologies to grammar teachers -- and I used to be one) as "the funnest iPod ever." I won't argue with that. It handles music, photo, videos, etc., with aplomb (as most iPods do) but is also a fine handheld gaming machine. A plethora of fun, reasonably priced games that take advantage of the iPod touch (and iPhone) features such as the acelerometer -- which lets you turn, twist, shake and tilt the device for gameplay -- are available at the Apple App Store.

Check out such ridiculously entertaining games as Super Monkey Ball, Moto Chaser, Pac Man, Spore Origins and Cro-Mag Rally. In fact, with over 1,000 game titles purportedly available, I think the iPod touch 2G poses a serious competitor to the PlayStation Portable and Nintendo DS. The range of titles is solid considering the Apple App Store only launched July 11. Most of the games are under US$10 -- and many are free. What's more, the 2G iPod touch's 3.5-inch, 480-by-320 pixel widescreen is large and surprisingly bright and crisp.

The iPod touch was certainly svelte before, but Apple has streamlined the second gen model even more. It's smaller and lighter than the original, even thought its tweaked new design features a contoured metal enclosure with much-welcomed, integrated volume control buttons. Also welcome is a built-in speaker. You'll certainly not want to use this all the time, but it's a fine addition for casual listening/viewing, such as sharing a video with someone else.

The 2G iPod touch sports features a thin contoured metal design, a 3.5-inch widescreen glass display, 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi wireless networking, integrated volume control buttons, advanced sensors, and Apple’s Multi-Touch user interface. With its rounded edges, flush display and curved, more compact design, the new iPod touch sits even more comfortably in yourhand than its predecessor.

According to Apple, the second gen iPod touch offers up to 36 hours of music playback or six hours of video playback on a single charge. My tests have proven the claim to be true, perhaps even a bit modest. The 2G touch comes in three models: an 8GB version for $229, a 16GB for $299, and a 32GB for $399.

I bought the latter, and it's the one I strongly recommend. Videos, photos and games eat up space very quickly. That said, the 32GB model holds up to 7,000 songs, 25,000 photos or 40 hours of video; the 16GB model holds up to 3,500 songs, 20,000 photos or 20 hours of video, and the 8GB model holds up to 1,750 songs, 10,000 photos and 10 hours of video. That's pretty impressive, but you still can't beat the price and storage of the Stracka
"TARGET="_blank">iPod classic, which is now available only in one model (a 120GB version for $249).

The new iPod touch works with the new
iTunes 8 Genius feature, which lets you automatically create playlists while on the go. Users can preview the playlist Genius creates, refresh the list to choose different songs and save Genius playlists to enjoy again later. Some folks find the feature wonderful, but I find myself rarely using it.

What is more impressive to me is that the new iPod touch also features built-in Nike + iPod support, so it can double as a workout companion. You can place the optional Nike + iPod sensor ($19) in their Nike + shoe to seamlessly connect with the new iPod touch to track miles run or sync with the latest generation gym equipment. For a daily runner like me, it's nice feature.

On the down side, the 2G iPod touch hardware is now microphone-compatible, but there's no software support for microphone accessories (at least not yet), and recording software developed for the iPhone doesn't work. Also, I want support for FireWire charging accessories.

Despite these wishes, this is a fun, addictive product. For those of us who want many of the iPhone's features but don't want the AT&T slave contract, it's a gotta-have goodie.

The new iPod touch is available immediately for a suggested price of US$229 for the 8GB model, $299 for the 16GB and $399 for the 32GB model through the Apple Store, Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. The iPod touch requires a Mac with a USB 2.0 port, Mac OS X v10.4.11 or later and iTunes 8; or a Windows PC with a USB 2.0 port and Windows Vista or Windows XP Home or Professional (Service Pack 3) or later and iTunes 8.

Macsimum rating: 9.5 out of 10

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