a drop of water

When Apple released the Ipod Touch 2G, the Iphone 3G and the Ipod Nano 4G, they switched up the charging system from a 12V source to a 5V source (removing the last reminant of firewire support in their connector).  Unfortunately this rendered many charging and playing connectors in cars, speaker docks, etc., half functional, since the newer ipods would only play and no longer charge while connected.

I’ve been waiting for a speaker dock that supports the new design, but haven’t found one yet.  I recently ran across an adapter made by Scosche.  I don’t own it myself, but the reviews on Amazon seem to recommend it.  Looks like this would be a good option if you are looking to play and charge the new Ipods at the same time on an older device.

This is the first Apple Special Event that I’ve followed live thanks to the real time feeds of Engadget and Gizmodo.  In preparation for the announcements, I sold my 16gb Ipod Touch on Amazon this past weekend ($280).  I originally purchased it in used condition from Ebay a few months back ($260).  Prior to the Ipod Touch, I had an 8gb Ipod Nano 2nd Generation (which was also sold).

I purchased the Touch with the intention of playing with the Apple SDK in hopes developing some applications, but unfortunately that intent still remains on the todo list.  I liked having contacts, photos, mail, access to the internet, maps online/offline and the occasional quick game to pass the time available, but found myself looking for circumstances to use it, instead of realizing circumstances where it came in handy.  This is probably because the  Touch requires a wifi connection for many of its features and applications versus the Iphone which has internet access available where ever there is reception.  My main computer, not being a mac added another level of disconnect between the Touch and the information I would like it to store, so maybe I will move to the new Nano instead.

Enter the new Ipod Nano and the new Ipod Touch.  The Nano went back to a “tall” form factor which has an overall better feeling in your hand, a full aluminum casing, an increased screen size, a jump in capacity (150$ for 8gb, 200$ for 16gb), new colors, and an accelerometer.  The Touch got a slight redesign with tapered edges (like the Iphone 3g), some volume buttons on the side, a price cut (8gb at $229, 16gb at $299, 32gb at $399) and an integrated Nike receiver.  Unfortunately the polished steel back casing lingers!

Personally, I felt the Nano upgrade was substantial and in the right direction.  As for the Touch, I felt the upgrade was minimal and generally left me unsatisfied.  I guess I read too many rumors at http://macrumors.com/ about how the Touch could receive upgrades including GPS (maybe even turn by turn directions), camera, etc.  Initially the integrated Nike receiver seemed cool, but after doing a little research it just seems more like a gimmick than a feature.  The Nike Running system seems to lack accuracy for the serious runner and the sensor does not have a replaceable battery, meaning that you have to buy a new sensor when the old one stops working.  The external speaker is a nice touch ;) and the curved edges do simulate a much slimmer device.

So in conclusion, I wouldn’t mind a new Ipod Touch, but it will probably just catalyze my wanting of an Iphone (which one side of me wants and the other side of me wants to avoid), so maybe I should just get a Nano and keep life “simple” and not tethered to a data service plan :)

Gizmodo article on Ipod Touch

Gizmodo article on Ipod Nano