Me with my new iPod Touch
I just bought a 2nd Generation (2G) iPod Touch 16GB. I have to say it is a pretty cool device. Although I would have purchased an iPhone if AT&T serviced my area, I think I will be quite happy with this. I bought it directly from the Apple Store, with my name and email address laser engraved on the back at no charge.
Although the iPod is known as a portable music and video player, the iPod Touch is so much more. Out of the box you can surf the Internet wirelessly, check your email, and use Google Maps with GPS (all of which require local WiFi availability). The built-in calendar, world clock, notes, weather, calculator, and remote control apps are pretty cool too. Hundreds of free and cheap applications are available. So far I have downloaded OmniFocus (the killer app for me), Del.icio.us Bookmarks, Facebook, several Bible applications, and some recreational and show-off apps including a virtual guitar (it’s really amazing … even though I don’t play guitar!), Enigmo (I couldn’t resist!), Koi Pond, a level (it really works … you can use it to level furniture), and a seismometer.
Many applications use the iPod’s motion sensor. For example, the level and seismometer make extensive use of it. A drawing program erases your drawing when you shake the iPod, and a virtual 3D dice application rolls the dice realistically when you shake.
The multi-touch interface is cool, too. When viewing a web page or Google Maps, for example, you can zoom in and out by pinching or sliding apart two fingers. The virtual guitar apps lets you pluck or pick more than one string at a time.
The device seems well-built. However, I am babying mine until a Speck protective case arrives that I ordered from Amazon.com.
It will be interesting to see what comes along in the areas of church and ministry. For example, there is a Jehovah’s Witnesses program that runs on the iPod Touch (and iPhone) that lets their missionaries keep track of which houses they have visited and which products have been left, using the devices’ built-in GPS capabilities. They get street-level maps, and markers showing who has been visited. Can you imagine something like this integrated with, say, the Army of Youth website, or designed specifically for a GYC outreach? I can even see applications for general Bible work and literature evangelism.
I was a little disappointed that the Touch does not include a built-in camera, like the iPhone has. Also it lacks a built-in mic, although there are rumors that Apple will introduce a mic for it soon. I would love to have a mic input so I can use it as a voice recorder with ReQall and for other purposes.
Still, despite room for improvement, it is a great tool (and a bit of a toy!). I am very happy with it, and highly recommend it.