Apple iPod Touch 8GB 3rd Generation
Overview:-
Pros:
- It is smaller in size, light weight and slick.
- The feel and usability of the touch screen is great.
- One of the best browsers found on a portable device.
- The audio and video playback is amazing.
- A number of cool inbuilt applications.
- A very bright clear and sharp display screen.
- The hardware is efficient and reliable and devoid of bugs.
- The Flash based mp3 player.
Cons:
- Lacks proper up gradation from the 2nd Generation 8GB iPod touch; still does not have facilities and features like camera, OLED, etc.
- The battery is weaker than the 2nd generation model and thus the music playback time is also lesser than the latter.
- Is a bit over-priced, with lack of certain desirable features.
- FM radio can only be accessed through online applications.
- A half-locked Bluetooth.
Review:
On 5th September 2007, Apple Inc. launched the iPod touch, a mobile platform with features like portable media player, Wi-Fi and personalized digital assistant. The iPod touch 3rd generation is a much evolved, redesigned edition of the same with many added features. It is no longer just a music and video playback device, as it boasts of its superior quality web browser and e-mail support and a very handy portable gaming device as well. The Apple’s third generation iPod touch is found in 8 gigabytes, 32 gigabytes, and 64 gigabytes capacity. Going by the hardware or designing modifications, the third generation iPod touch is more of an upgraded version of its second generation predecessor. But the new alterations in the hardware, along with a number of generous additions of software, and a high potential for additional functions surely makes the Apple iPod touch 3rd generation a very worthy and desirable device and is unquestionably far better than its predecessor in a number of ways.
Design:
The similar cosmetics:
The first noticeable thing about the third generation iPod touch (8 GB) is that the looks are not much modified and its appearance is more or less similar to the second generation predecessor of the same. A few etchings on the rear side of the 3rd generation iPod touch is the only distinguishable factor. Otherwise, the second generation of iPod touch and its successor are more or less mirror images of each other. The rear end of the predecessor model has four engraved text lines seated between an 8GB, 32GB or a 64GB plate along with a number of electronic certification logos. The text which is engraved is basically a serial number and has “All Rights Reserved” etched. On the contrary the previous version had a comparatively smaller badge to notify the capacity and had two lines of engraved text which states “Designed by Apple in California” and is followed by the serial number. Other than this minor difference, the two models are astonishingly similar to each other with their screens turned off.
The Casing:
The Apple iPod touch 3rd Generation (8 GB) sports a 3.5 inch glass-covered LCD screen which has a resolution of 480 x 320 pixels. Despite being a touch screen device, a few manual physical buttons have also been included like the hold switch located on the top, a volume controller button on the edge towards the left and a home button place below the screen to the anterior side. The bottom side of this iPod touch is otherwise same as its predecessor, sporting a 3.5 millimeter headphone jack port, and a universal dock port. A metallic chrome steel finish is found along the edges and covers the expanse towards the posterior surface.
The shape, design and dimensions of the iPod touch 3rd generation remain the same as its previous model. A flat glass front is well-set in a curved steel backside cover and the device is 4.3 inches tall, 2.4 inches wide and 0.33 inches thick. The curved steel surface cover gives a good feel when hand-held but is quite tipsy and wobbly when placed on another surface like a table. Overall, nothing new and thus nothing commendable about this latest edition in the Apple iPod family, which is too similar is resemblance to the Apple’s 2nd generation iPod touch.
The Screen Tint:
The screen color tint is another difference between the two models, though it is not a remarkable and reliable one as it might not be the same throughout its lifespan. On close observation we find that the predecessor model of the Apple iPod 8gb 3rd generation model has a yellowish tint on white screens, whereas the latter has almost neutral white color with a slight pink tint. “Negative Black” on the screen centre was another big problem for the first generation iPods which was subsequently changed for the better with every modification and the latest third generation model has a more generous shallow center viewing than its previous models. Thus, the screen hasn’t changed much though from its previous editions, but the color balance in the third generation iPod touch is definitely way better than the others. The Apple iPod touch third generation definitely has a brighter, sharper, and high quality display better than its predecessors, which makes it very handy option not only for video playback but also for gaming purpose.
The Pack-ins:
The Pack-ins vouch for another difference in the iPod touch 3rd generation and its previous version. The Apple iPod touch 3rd Generation (8 GB) features Apple’s earphones and also includes with Mic and Remote, which are absent in the 2nd generation model. The earphones of the iPod touch include a hardened plastic plug shell and are greasier and more slippery than the previous version’s thick and soft coating of rubber. Other than this small change, look wise and function wise both the versions are similar with two volume buttons one for increasing and the other for decrease. There is also a multi-functional central button, with the help of which user can play, pause or skip a track and a microphone is also provided which is useful when it comes to voice recording and it also serves a few other purposes. Though, in the previous edition the usage of the same was pretty limited, in the newer edition of the iPod touch, it is capable of doing quite a bit more with some changes in the hardware and software which are discussed later.
Features:
Hardware Changes:
Over the past year, Apple on its every iPod touch release gives an opportunity to cash in twice on the changes in hardware- once when the device is sold to the users, with its specifically mentioned features, and then again later, Apple offers a paid $10 “software update”, which unlocks the disclosed features and capabilities of the device. Apple, for the iPod touch 3rd generation, has promised to provide the users with just two specific hardware changes which includes a 50 percent acceleration in the performance and speed and a far better and hi-quality graphic detailing with the OpenGL ES 2.0. This iPod touch is definitely better than its other members in the family with a replaced high performance CPU and graphics processor with newer features and faster counterparts, thus enhancing the devices speed to approximately 800MHz and it also adds a handful of new features and special effects in its graphics interface.
Gaming:
These changes might not result in critical consequences, but they do give a boost to the newer edition to quite some extent. For example, when using the iPod touch for gaming purposes, users will notice a difference in the loading time for a game in both the models, which might range up to quite a few seconds. Thus, the 3rd generation device is truly much faster and when loading a big game this time difference might mount up to several seconds- result is while the game is still loading on the older model, a user will already be playing it when using the newer version.
Even if we forget the loading time difference, still the game performance also varies a lot in the newer iPod touch and on the brighter side. Even those games which push the second generation iPod touch’s graphic hardware to the threshold run smooth on the third generation device. It has a better frame-rate, greater speed and is smoother in the interface and also takes less installation and loading times. Thus, the Apple iPod touch 3rd generation is a way better portable gaming device than its predecessor though in certain cases the noticeable difference in the gaming experience is quite marginal to the users.
Graphics:
Another credential that the 3rd generation iPod touch from Apple can boast of is that it is the second pocket device launched by Apple which sports a hardware support for the OpenGL ES 2.0, a latest graphic technology which was first introduced in the iPhone 3GS. Due to the presence of the OpenGL ES 2.0, developers were able to use programmable shaders, which present a more optically realistic and impressive visuals and effects which is way better than what the previous versions of the iPod touch used to generate. The only problem is that not many games will be compatible enough to run in this device, other than a few handful mediocre games. But on the brighter side, the games that run and the future games to be released will be way better in quality and display and will give users an exciting gaming experience.
Performance:
Operating System:
The second generation version of the Apple iPod touch featured a 2.0 version OS, which has been upgraded to a newer OS of version 3.0 in the Apple iPod touch 3rd generation Media Player, which keeps it one step ahead in terms of software features and performance. Because of the presence of the newer 3.0 version OS, the iPod touch is now compatible with a huge range of software, and as a result of which it was possible to include Bluetooth in this device, which is capable of audio streaming in stereo and also supports multiplayer gaming when two iPods are interconnected using the Bluetooth feature and caters a cool experience of wireless gaming. Moreover, the device is now capable of including an application for Voice Memos, which is beneficial when it comes to voice recording via an external microphone. Other than this, a search feature which can intervene the whole system, Google street view and maps, and a widespread touch keyboard is present which is capable to mete out every keyboard compatible application. And on top of that, the iPod touch 3rd generation can also mould itself to work as a keyboard or as a remote control for Apple TV and the device also supports plenty of other features which can be enabled by a number of downloadable applications.
The Touch-Screen Interface:
Apple’s iPod touch 3rd generation is quite advanced in terms of usability and touch screen performance and is better than most other devices of its league, and this uniqueness has been maintained by Apple from the very beginning. Even when the first generation models were released in market, they were much better than its other rivals. Although now, other manufacturers who deal with touch screen featured devices like Microsoft, Sony or Samsung, have narrowed the gap between them and Apple in terms of designing, interface, speed and usability of touch screens. But still, the fluidity, easy and snappy operations and the impressive and captivating touch screen and usability and interface of the Apple iPod touch 3rd generation has kept it way ahead of its competitors in the international market.
Better Gaming Experience:
Moreover, to retain this high position, Apple is doing their best to modify, alter and re instill latest hardware and software modifications to enhance the performance, and are also pushing the speed barrier as far as they can to provide users with best experience in gaming. The Apple iPod touch 3rd generation claims a 50 percent processing power increase and also sports a latest Open GL graphic processor. Thus, the responsiveness and the loading and installation time for a game has been dramatically increased and quickened. A game that would take around 14 seconds to 15 seconds to load on the iPod touch’s 2nd generation model, takes a mere 7 seconds to 8 seconds loading time in the Apple iPod touch 3rd generation device. So, users who love gaming and prefer a handheld touch screen device which caters a great graphic quality and speed in gaming must have the Apple iPod touch 3rd generation in the priority list automatically.
Voice Memo:
The Apple iPod touch sports this unique feature which was not included in any of the previous editions of iPod by Apple, and this is really a worthy bonus application. The Voice Memo application is basically a voice controlled operational software, which enables the user to speak commands which the device detects and executes the demanded operation automatically. This feature can be enabled by pressing and holding the central button of the included earphones only and cannot be accessed from the iPod touch’s Home button. This will activate the Voice Memo feature and then when the user speaks command, the device will detect it and will follow the commands automatically. However, it is not absolutely perfect and efficient in detecting voice commands and analyzing it and in the initial stage it might seem to be quite awful. All the user has to do is follow the syntax and speak commands properly, and the device does a really appreciable job with the command analysis and execution of the same. The only drawback is that the dial command is not included in this device, but anyway, this special feature is really cool and chick and it places the 3rd generation iPod touch in a very high position amongst its competitors.
Accessibility:
This is another bonus feature included in the Apple iPod touch 3G device. This feature provides certain special software introductions, like the magnification option and the screen colour inversion option. Moreover, there is a Voice Over feature, which reads out the on screen texts, which is a very beneficial factor for the visually disabled users and there is also a mode called Mono Audio down-mixing, which merges both the left audio channel and the right audio channel into both headphones. This is useful to hearing impaired users, who can hear through only one ear. Pressing the device’s home button thrice enables the inversion and/ or the voice over mode, but not the magnification feature. The drawback of the inversion mode is that it reduces the clarity of the home screen, that is makes it less readable, but it enhances the working of all other applications. This might be a problem as the small pixel size are already a problem for a number of users and the decrease in clarity will be highly dissatisfactory for them. But other than this, overall, the accessibility function is a great one and is surely unique.
The iTunes Factor:
The iPod touch 3rd generation allows users to browse, view, download or purchase content from the iTunes Wi-Fi store. All the users would need is to make sure of an available Wi-Fi connection and then they can access the iTunes Wi-Fi store, and once they are connected to it, they have a wide range of contents to download and purchase. Ranging from TV shows, to movies, podcasts, music videos, audio books, music, and educational content, users have a wide range to explore. One can browse through or search for any song, album or artists in the music catalogue and can browse through a wide variety of movies. In order to purchase a content from the iTunes Wi-Fi store, users will have to provide their iTunes password as a default security measure. Downloading any content is very easy and even if a download is interrupted, it picks up from the same point once the device’s Wi-Fi connection is established. When a download is completed, it is instantly accessible in the iPod touch and the downloaded media files automatically transfer to the computer’s iTune library, when a user synchronizes it with his PC. The iTunes Wi-Fi store is a handy feature and downloading and purchasing contents are also very convenient and the best part is that this user friendly feature has no drawbacks as such.
Nike + :
The iPod touch third generation is not complimented with the Nike + application features that were altered in the Fifth generation device. But it is still capable to link up to the Nike’s application called Nike + Sensor, which tracks the users movement while in running motion and can also be used for music playback control in the later versions. Though there is a doubt regarding the fact that the application called Heart Rate Monitor would be included in the software update by the manufacturer, but the possibility of that happening is high. Other than this, the Apple iPod Touch does support a number of other fitness applications, which are not developed by Nike. Thus, the iPod touch third generation device definitely offers more software upgraded stuffs than other such prevalent devices in the market.
Audio:
Considering the amount of effort that Apple has made in rendering the graphic quality and the processor speed and performance, the quality of the audio device and enhancement is not much developed or enhanced. It is the audio quality, where other manufacturers like Samsung and Sony leave behind Apple’s latest devices and that too with a sharp contrast, even with the marginal list of preset EQ featured by the Apple iPod touch. The device has a built in stereo speaker and also has a built in digital clock with timer and alarm. Though in general terms, the balanced audio quality with smooth sound will be satisfactory to most users, many of them would be dissatisfied with the 3rd generation iPod for this drawback. Though like most other iPods in the market, the Apple iPod touch 3rd generation also supports most audio file formats like MP3, WAV, AIFF, AAC ( along with the protected files ), and Apple Lossless, but still it does not support WMA files. Although, Apple iTunes software is provided in the pack which can convert the WMA files to MP3, but still, the lack or the limited audio controlling scope is surely a bit of disappointment.
The Bluetooth:
The Touch 3rd generation’s one very long awaited feature is the A2DP stereo Bluetooth audio streaming capability which is complimented with a OS 3.0 modification. The Apple iPod touch’s Bluetooth device can be very easily and conveniently paired with other Bluetooth accessories, which includes a speaker system, stereo headsets, and car stereo. Moreover, the device stores all previously paired Bluetooth devices record in its database, which can be found in the Settings menu of the iPod touch. The wireless range, which is approximately around 30 feet, and the audio quality of the Bluetooth device is quite appreciable and another interesting factor is that even the audio from the video playbacks applications are quite easily and conveniently transferred over the Bluetooth almost as easily as transferring a music playback. But, the Apple iPod touch’s Bluetooth device disappoints us when it comes to the AVRCP control. Apple has not fully implemented the control of Bluetooth AVRCP, whose function is to allow user to use other AVRCP compatible devices for audio playback remotely. The strangest part is that the Apple iPod supports play or pause functions over a AVRCP compatible device, whereas, other controls for the same, like volume increase or decrease, and the skip functions are not present. Another crucial factor is that, keeping the Bluetooth device on harms the battery life of the device greatly. If the Bluetooth device is on for quite sometime, it decreases the battery life to quite an extent.
Video Features:
The iPod touch is a perfect partner for a user who is looking forward for a device which is portable and sports numerous features and has a quality video playback. The Apple iPod touch is highly compatible with most video formats and users have unlimited access to video playbacks. Users can load TV shows, video podcasts, iTunes movies, which are on a rental scheme or can also watch endless number of free videos offered by the YouTube widget in the iPod or can include any other third party applications in the device. The angles of viewing might not be as good is it was in the 2nd generation model, but still is not worth a mention in the negative side, because it is still good enough for its purpose. And moreover, the minimum angular problems in viewing are well justified as a counterpart to the iPod touch’s notable improvisation and improvement in the contrast and the colour balance. The colour balance modifications are really cool are worth mentioning as it is way better than its predecessor and moreover, the colour balance is less prone to wash out when the device is subjected to high brightness settings.
The Battery Life:
Comparing the Apple iPod touch 2nd generation and 3rd generation device, the battery life for the latter is slightly diminished. This might be an effect of the faster, performance oriented and more efficient processor or the fact that newer software have been included, like the Bluetooth. Software applications as well as the high powered processor demands more charge, and maybe because of this reason, music playback hour rating has been reduced to 30 hours which in case of the 2nd generation model was 36 hours. However, video playback rating has not been whittled down and it stays steady like its predecessor at an estimated 6 hours.
The Touch 3rd generation is advanced and has a provision which interrupts video playback when the battery charge is low. Thus, it is tough to claim the actual video playback time for this device, as to check it, it is required that the video has to re-picked a number of times, which makes it inconvenient to judge the exact video playback time.
Box Accessories:
The Apple iPod touch 3rd generation (8 GB) device comes along with a few packaged accessories: USB 2.0 cable, a dock adapter, a pair of earphones and a Quick Start Guide.
Warranty:
The Apple iPod touch 8 GB third generation device comes with a standard one year manufacturer’s warranty.
Verdict:
A very portable, handy and user friendly device which boasts of quite a number of features and hardware and software modifications. Though, going by the design, there is nothing remarkably different in the Apple iPod touch 8GB third generation model from its predecessor of the second generation, but comparing the speed, efficiency, usability and performance, this device fares far better than the others of its league. Moreover, the accessibility features are worth mentioning . There are some notable upgrades in the software features and it sports a very good interface. Moreover, the graphic quality is also a plus point which will be a source of attraction to the hardcore gamers. With a weight of 4.05 oz it is not very bulky and is comfortable for grip. Though, it has a reduced audio playback time of 30 hours, whereas its previous version had 36 hours of playback time, and the audio quality is also the same without any improvements, still is quite good enough for its usage. The display is also bright, clear and sharp. And the iPod touch 3rd generation flaunts a Bluetooth device which is capable of audio streaming and comes handy in a number of things and also supports wireless multimedia gaming. The Wi-Fi connectivity is also very strong and browsing, viewing and downloading is a very convenient. The only big drawback of this device is the lack of camera, which is something disappointing for users.
Basically, a user looking forward to a portable device which will give him access to a horde of entertainment within the basic limits, the Apple iPod touch 8 GB is a very good option. If a user is not desperate for a camera in the device and is content with storage of 8 GB complimented with a remarkably high quality graphic system with a very good Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connection and most importantly a very speedy, efficient and powerful processor, then the Apple iPod Touch 8 GB ( Third Generation ) is probably the best suitable option.
Check latest iPod Reviews, Ratings and Exclusive Apple iPod Touch 32GB Second Generation Review in our website.
Apple iPod Touch 3G 8GB - Technical Specification Table
| Manufacturer | Apple |
| Model Name | iPod Touch Third generation |
| Device type | Digital portable media player |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 4.3 x 2.4 x 0.33 inches |
| Weight | 4.05 oz |
| Color | Black with Polished Aluminum rear |
| Display | 3.5-inch (diagonal) widescreen LCD Multi-Touch display |
| Display resolution | 480-by-320-pixel resolution at 163 pixels per inch |
| Capacity | 8GB Flash memory |
| Capacities available | 8GB, 32GB and 64GB |
| Supported audio formats | AAC (16 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Store), MP3 (16 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, and 4), Apple Lossless,AIFF, and WAV |
| Playback modes | Playlist, One track repeat, Shuffle |
| Response Bandwidth | 20 - 20000 Hz |
| Other media feature | JPEG photo playback, variable bit rate compatibility |
| Supported video formats | H.264, MPEG-4 |
| Additional Features | Notes, Calendar, Cover flow, Phone Book, Voice Memo, Date display, Web Browsing, Nike + iPod support, Multi-touch interface, USB 2.0. |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi (802.11b/g) Nike + iPod support built in Maps location-based service7 Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR |
| TV | Support for 480p and 576p component TV out |
| Input and output | Dock connector 3.5-mm stereo headphone jack |
| Headphone Type | Binaural ear-bud |
| Impendence | 32 Ohm |
| Battery Type | Lithium Ion rechargeable |
| Battery backup | Music playback time: Up to 30 hours when fully charged Video playback time: Up to 6 hours when fully charged |
| Battery charge time | Fast-charge time: about 2 hours (charges up to 80% of battery capacity) Full-charge time: about 4 hours |
| iTunes version | iTunes 9 or later |
| System Requirements | Mac : Mac computer with USB 2.0 port, Mac OS X v10.4.11 or later Windows: PC with USB 2.0 port, Windows Vista or Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 3 or later |
| Box contents | iPod touch Apple earphones Dock connector to USB cables Quick Start Guide |
| Warranty | One year |
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