Travel Technology - Apple iTouch 8GB vs. iPod Classic 80GB

What exactly does the iTouch have going for it, over and above the iPod Classic, besides its styling? As far as I am aware, the Classic can do just about everything the iTouch can, except maybe download music on the go (which I do not find terribly important to be honest). The iTouch is more expensive than the Classic, yet only has 1/10th the memory.

I initially wanted to get the sixth generation iPod Classic, preferrably the 80GB so I can put my entire music collection (about 20GB) plus all pictures (about 12GB) into one portable device, with space to spare. But everyone tells me to get the iTouch, the iTouch, the iTouch is so fabulous etc. etc.

So is there anything besides the styling and bluetooth capability that might lure me to the newest and hippest?

My 15GB third generation iPod has seriously begun to show its age. Besides that the back has been turned into brushed aluminium, the operating tolerances seem to have been drastically reduced; it only operates properly between 15°C and 16°C at altitudes between 5m and 6m. The battery (management) is crap. Often when it has been fully charged, the iPod decides the battery is empty, especially in the cold (i.e. below 45°C).

Odd, because my 4 year old mobile still works perfectly with the battery lasting through an entire weekend away with charger. I even washed the thing by accident. (SE T660i) So what is wrong with Apple's batteries????

And more important question... do the iPods have worldwide warranty? And if not, why not? And can you purchase it in addition?

Thanks!

Well the touch for me has a bigger screen and is thinner. Better on the road.
Also there is the option of downloading and installing other software on the touch. For instance I have a web server, wifi detector, some notepad, ebook reader, games, and a few others. Basically everything the iphone cam do.
There is the 16GB version of the itouch. And you could fit everything on it, you just need to compress some music a bit more.

I have a web server...

I am IMPRESSED. What kind of sustained transaction rates are you seeing?

I am IMPRESSED. What kind of sustained transaction rates are you seeing?

With that jailbreak software its the apache.
I dont have a site on it yet, but since its wifi I can set up a simple server anywhere I go when I hit a hotspot.There is also a way to use some php programs out there to turn the ipod into a web music and photo sharing. I also have on the ipod music server via itunes streaming, ssh, ftp. Basically my ultimate goal is to have my ipod be able to share my music, videos, photos via a simple website anywhere to anyone. Also you can run PHP, MySQL, and a lot of other addons.
I would want a way to have my ipod act as a server so other computers can directly wireless connect to it.

you can also put the mail app on the touch. So, if you are will to do a LITTLE work, it is basically an iphone WITHOUT the phone. Although, lighter and with 2x the capacity. I think we will certainly see a 16GB iphone in January, or the rumoured 3G version in the spring with 3G. I do NOT think we will see 32GB itouchs or phones till LATE next year at the earliest. Those chips are still TOO expensive relative to the overall cost of the phone.

The Ipod touch is awesome. One of the things you forgot in your comparison to the classic is wifi. I love the fact that I can sit on a plane on the tarmac and browse the internet. I can also wake up in the middle of the night and from my bed look at stuff on ebay or read FT. Let us not forget youtube. No notebook to drag out or disturb my wife. Just lay there and and get the touch and start surfing.

One of the things you forgot in your comparison to the classic is wifi. I love the fact that I can sit on a plane on the tarmac and browse the internet.

What airports have WiFi access points out on the tarmac?
Or do you mean when parked at a gate?

All sounds very good, especially the wifi (although not sure how much I would need that, and I don't know where I can get wifi anyway).

Is there a scheduling/calender/diary function? That I might actually value, as I could then toss out my current hand-written agenda (I never liked the PDAs to be honest, my Moleskin always suited me perfectly). But if I could combine my music player with an agenda/calenderf I would actually us, that might be good...

Problem is, I will buy this thing primarily for music... and I'm one of those "take music collection everywhere I go" types. It's very handy when I go sailing for days at a time; I (we) always have the music on hand to fit the mood. Also nice for at parties to quickly make a playlist without worrying if the music you want has been synced (plus I hate having to manage that goes on and off the iPod currently). And because I travel alot, often without laptop, it is doubly nice to have everything at hand...

In the end though, it's all a luxury. I can live without the iPod. But I still do not like the price of the iTouch.

Is there a scheduling/calender/diary function?

Yes, there is. Also a contact function.

I am having the same problem. In the end I think I will go with the classic; if I were to get the touch, I would need to carry around my current 20GB ipod + touch + my cellphone. If I get the classic, it's just the ipod + cellphone.

Cheers,

I am have the same problem. In the end I think I will go with the classic; if I were to get the touch, I would need to carry around my current 20GB ipod + touch + my cellphone. If I get the classic, it's just the ipod + cellphone.

Cheers,

I agree with that assessment which is why I just purchased the 160GB classic. I currently have the 30Gb ipod and can't fit my entire mp3 collection on it (I have about 65 Gb). As far as surfing the net and all the other wifi stuff, my blackberry can take care of that.

Now if I can only find the perfect bluetooth headset and a pair of noise-cancelling earbuds, I'll be on cloud 9.

I agree with that assessment which is why I just purchased the 160GB classic. I currently have the 30Gb ipod and can't fit my entire mp3 collection on it (I have about 65 Gb). As far as surfing the net and all the other wifi stuff, my blackberry can take care of that.

Now if I can only find the perfect bluetooth headset and a pair of noise-cancelling earbuds, I'll be on cloud 9.

Take a look at Shure. Amazon has some of them every so often on sale

Are you all afraid that Apple will sue you if you type the name in its trademarked form, like "iPod" or "iPod touch" instead of mangling it into "iTouch" or "Ipod" or "ipod" or whatever? :confused:

Just to be clear, the Touch does not have Bluetooth, if you want BT headsets you have to buy one of the rigs that plugs into the dock connector.

What airports have WiFi access points out on the tarmac?
Or do you mean when parked at a gate?

Yes. Parked on the gate.

Shure is great for earbuds....I think mine are called E2C...earbud and earplug in one. I find it hard to listen to the iPod when I eat because I can hear my jaw moving...that's how effective the headphones are.

And to stay on topic, my vote is for capacity. IPod Classic + phone = happy. Besides, my area can't support iPhones. Cingular, ATT, whatever theya re now has terrible coverage in South Jersey.

Video Video Video.

I can rip and do various magic and import any DVD I own (way too many) and import it to the iPod Touch and watch it on a plane. 5 hrs battery or 25+ with this nifty battery pack from http://BatteryGeek.net.

http://www.batterygeek.net/Batterygeek_100_Hr_iPhone_and_iPod_Battery_Pack_p/geekpod_100_black.htm

This seems like as a good a place as any to post a brief iTouch review. Keep in mind this is my first iPod - I bought it primarily as a PDA replacement for the disappointing Palm Tungsten E2, and secondarily for WiFi internet. So as one who grew up lugging a then state-of-the-art Walkman and cassettes around Europe, I am probably less critical than someone who is on their sixth MP3 player.

Overall, I give it an 8/10. As with most Apple products, it works well right out of the box without the need to read instructions. The internet speed is a little frustrating, but I expect that is partly a network issue (out of apple's control) and will improve over time.

Things I like:

(1) Screen resolution is amazing.
(2) Syncing is far less problematic than Palm, and much faster.
(3) Address book is better than Palm, easier to scroll and display everything.
(4) Photo program, sync and display is amazing.
(5) WiFi connection works relatively well at free wi-fi spots.
(6) Mail program is fantastic. Syncs all my accounts individually whenever I am in WiFi range. Eliminates need for expensive blackberry service. Reply is easier and faster than phone and internet-based email. So good that I'm not sure I would load gmail and yahoo!go apps if/when they become avail.
(7) Sound quality is good, probably even better with upgraded headphones. Adding music was quick, even faster if it is already loaded on your computer. Nice indexing.
(8) Google maps works well, much more useful than on a tiny phone screen. Almost eliminates need for a GPS (particularly for those of us who rarely have need for one).
(9) Stock and weather sync programs are excellent.
(10) Battery life to date has been excellent.

Things I don't like (in order of decreasing annoyance)

(1) The touch-screen alpha keyboard letters are too small, I often get the wrong one and have to go back. That being said, it's no worse than the Palm's stickpoint keyboard. Blackberry has even smaller keys, but might be easier to use since they are raised.

(2) Safari browser is quite slow, not anywhere near what you see in the TV commercials. The zoom feature is great, but getting to what you need and entering info can be tedious. Not really acceptable performance for those of us used to 6MB or T1 speeds, in fact often slower than my Sprint 3G phone browser.

(3) I don't mind paying $20 for upgraded and improved software on an annual basis, but it is obnoxious to charge a fee to people who bought last month when it is now included on units for free.

(4) The Notes program (the main reason I bought the $20 upgrade) is virtually worthless. Not sure why Apple can't figure out how to import Notes from Palms or for that matter from my Mac. Hopefully somebody will fix this problem as I have a lot of info that I like to carry.

(5) iCal is slightly inferior to Datebook+ (or old Handspring datebook) in that it doesn't display week-at-a-glance. But "List" display is sufficient, and I expect we will be able to get new and better apps soon.


One final note: I do find the complaints about lack of memory to be amusing. So far I have 100 CDs, 75 photos, 100s of contacts, datebook, 3 email accounts, and still only using a fraction of my 16G. Then again, I don't plan to watch movies or tv shows on such a small screen - amazing as it is.

Let's not forget we are ona FlyerTalk form :) One of the most important features for me is to be able to watch movies on the plane w/o IFE. Battery lasts for 6-7 hours.

I've been the owner of an Itouch 16 GB for three weeks and I really like it. I upgraded from the 3rd/4th generation ipod. I didn't buy it for the "notes", "calendar", "photos". I have a Palm treo PDA(windows) that I love and use for phone/calendar/contacts. So I will never use that feature and I have always thought the photos on the i products was ridiculous. I bought this specifically for music and to download videos/TV programs when flying, since I hate IFE.

What I've alwasys dont to save space on the unite is remove it after watching. I never download vidoes. I don't think many people store videos or previously watched programs on their units. Once I watch a movie or TV show I just remove it.



Let's not forget we are ona FlyerTalk form :) One of the most important features for me is to be able to watch movies on the plane w/o IFE. Battery lasts for 6-7 hours.

You can also get the Energizer Energi to Go products
http://www.energizer.com/products/energi-to-go/ipod-charger/Pages/ipod-battery-charger.aspx

Well the touch for me has a bigger screen and is thinner. Better on the road.
Also there is the option of downloading and installing other software on the touch. For instance I have a web server, wifi detector, some notepad, ebook reader, games, and a few others. Basically everything the iphone cam do.
There is the 16GB version of the itouch. And you could fit everything on it, you just need to compress some music a bit more.
I loved my first ipod w/video, but the larger screen and quality of the picture on itouch is waaaaay better.

What airports have WiFi access points out on the tarmac?
Or do you mean when parked at a gate?
Yes. Parked on the gate.
I haven't noticed that, but to be honest, I haven't looked at wifi connections while at the gate.


I am having the same problem. In the end I think I will go with the classic; if I were to get the touch, I would need to carry around my current 20GB ipod + touch + my cellphone. If I get the classic, it's just the ipod + cellphone.

Cheers,

I have the itouch and my PDA. Not really a big deal and i'm happy with my purchase.

So is there anything besides the styling and bluetooth capability that might lure me to the newest and hippest?


For one thing the ipod touch doesn't have bluetooth, it has wifi.

It's basically an iphone without the phone part of it. But it's even thinner and lighter than the iphone. With the iphone, you get network connectivity whenever you're in range of an AT&T cell tower (and you pay a minimum of $60 per month for that). With the itouch, you get network connectivity only when you're within range of a wifi router, and one that you are willing to connect to.

I guess the draw is the wow factor and the fact that there's nothing else like it on the market. I have an older disk based ipod, an 8G nano, and I bought the 16G touch. I guess I didn't really *need* it, but it's a really cool toy.

From your OP, it sounds like what you want is the classic, so that's what you should get. :)

The classic pretty much does everything the itouch can do (photos, videos, coverflow, etc) but doesn't have wifi, and thus doesn't support the various network apps that the itouch does. The classic also has a smaller screen than the itouch. The itouch has the gestures stuff on the touch screen.

-David

plus the fact that there currently isn't a 16GB iphone, but I think that will come in about two months

plus the fact that there currently isn't a 16GB iphone, but I think that will come in about two months

That plus 3G maybe, which might create a nice surplus market for first gen iphones. :)

-David

I think one big feature of the iTouch is that it uses flash memory. There is no hard drive to spin, so battery life is much better. I was debating between the 80GB iPod Classic and the 16GB iTouch a few days ago to replace my 4G iPod. The battery life was one of the factors. The other was after i went to the Apple store to check out both, the navigation of the classic seems a little clumsy after you've handled the touch.

Although I do dislike that the touch does not have physical volume buttons but ultimately decided that i could live without it.

Although I do dislike that the touch does not have physical volume buttons but ultimately decided that i could live without it.

Yes, this is a big minus as I have discovered, particularly when shuffling between artists. :td:

My problems is that I'm female and have nails. I've played around with an iphone and came to the conclusion that I would have major issues using an iTouch or iPhone. I'm really happy with my BB anyway and the iPod Video works just fine.

I'd love the screen on the iTouch but how on earth would I control it when it doesn't react to touch of nails?

My reading of this thread is that it comes down to a choice of capacity vs features, and for most people features win.

Surprising, when the "classic" ipods have evolved from 5gb to 160gbthat road-warrior types listening to music and watching videos would still choose features over storage... especially 16gb vs 160gb.?

-- Mike

I'd love the screen on the iTouch but how on earth would I control it when it doesn't react to touch of nails?

How do you use touchpads on the Macs notebooks?

I guess you must use an external USB mouse?

-David

How do you use touchpads on the Macs notebooks?

I guess you must use an external USB mouse?

-David

I'm currently using the touchpad but most of the time I have an external trackball hooked up.

Also, haveing said what I said about itouch, just now had news it is released in 32GB capacity today so now I am tempted. Really really tempted.

They released the 16GB iphone too...

plus the fact that there currently isn't a 16GB iphone, but I think that will come in about two months

Two days! Now how long for 3G?

the price of the new 32 gb ipod touch is $499.

I bought my 80 gb ipod classic back in the fall shortly after it and the ipod touch was released. At that time, I was very tempted by the ipod touch, but I couldn't really justify it at the time because 16 gb of space seemed so small. At 32 gb it is starting to get tempting, but $500 just seems like too much.

Maybe in another year...

Agreed, price of the Touch is still too high and memory too low. I'll stick with my 80 gb for awhile.

I'm currently using the touchpad but most of the time I have an external trackball hooked up.

Also, haveing said what I said about itouch, just now had news it is released in 32GB capacity today so now I am tempted. Really really tempted.

I guess if you can get used to using your fingerpad and not your fingertip it would be fine for you. :)

-David

If I pull up a map on the iTouch via wi-fi at home, can I save it for later retrieval without a wi-fi connection, such as in a car? (or do you need to have wi-fi access to use map functionality at any time?)

Thanks

If I pull up a map on the iTouch via wi-fi at home, can I save it for later retrieval without a wi-fi connection, such as in a car? (or do you need to have wi-fi access to use map functionality at any time?)


Thanks

Nope. Can't save anything locally (yet). That might change when they release the SDK, but at the moment every app on it is quite limited.

I recently purchased an 80 classic black over an ipod touch. I feel that later generations of the itouch will have more space.

SchmeckFlyer what did you go for in the end?

There seems to be a lot of talk of consolidating devices, after all thats what the all these new gadgets are aiming to achieve.

Personally though, I prefer to have a phone with plenty of features and a seperate device for music / video.

I've just got an Nokia E51 on a free upgrade and am completely sold on it. Packed full of features with perhaps the only thing missing being built-in GPS - but a bluetooth GPS receiver will soon solve that. ^ Got a 4GB micro SD card for it to hold maybe 1GB of music for when i'm on the move, the rest for any additional data / maps / videos etc... I might need. Probably more than i'll ever need but at GBP£16 delivered good value for the extra capacity just in case.

I've had an 80GB ipod classic for a few months now. About half full at the moment with roughly 20GB music then the rest composed of photos, videos and podcasts. I paid US$20 to download a programme called Magic DVD ripper (http://www.magicdvdripper.com/) which I use to burn DVDs to ipod format and also avi format so I can keep them on my laptop - saves carrying around disks and doesn't take up much space.

The phone works for most scenarios, with the ipod only really used on long journeys / holidays etc...

I must be crazy. I carry around a gen 5 ipod 30gb with my entire music collection on it and a pretty new 80 gb ipod video for a ton of movies. I have the entire series of HBO's Entourage on there and a ton of other movies. It is great.

I bought a 32GB iTouch.

When downloading new items to it, it is much SLOWER than the hard disk version iPods. I found this curious since solid state memory is supposed to be faster.

I would stick with the iPod unless, like in my case, my children need to share one screen in which case the iTouch screen is bigger.

Hi guys, new member to the forums and thought I'd post experience with ipod touch and ipod 60GB both of which I own. The wireless connectivity makes the difference here especially if you have a subscription with The Cloud which gives unlimited wireless access in most train stations and airports for £3.99 a month. BBC has also just announced that the Touch will be iPlayer compatible ie streaming digital television from the last 7 days direct via wifi. With that storage volume is not as important as you can access online media via youtube and iplayer.

I use Handbrake, which is free to download to rip my DVDs and the quality and images are so much better on the Ipod Touch screen.

Hope the new upgrade in June will bring more goodies.

Agree fully with sdorling that the ultimate device is still not there yet and carry a Nokia N95 with built in GPS, 8GB memory, wifi, 5 megapixel camera and 3G connection to my Slingbox along with my ipod touch on travels.