The Goods

The fourth Generation iPod Touch has a lovely, top quality display – miles better than my prior 3G iPod.

It has also got a location spotting system – not really GPS but permits the use of a completely new range of programs, especially sports programmes, which permit you to actually monitor and measure your exercise levels – in a great way! Apple also offers the ‘Find My iPhone ‘ app free now (this used to need an annual MobileMe subscription), so once this is set up if you mislay or lose your iPod Touch you can find it, and even remotely lock it or wipe its info.

There are 2 cameras : one front facing for video-chatting, and one rear facing for taking photos, and you can record videos. With a 32GB capacity, there’s a load of space for games, music, photographs, videos, books (either using iBooks or the Kindle app), and – naturally – programs, and with so many applications to choose between this is an advantage!

The Bads

The back of the unit gets scratched really simply ; if this is probably going to trouble you you’ll need a case of some particular kind for it – I have mine in a silicone case. This case also makes the iPod touch more ponderous, and less sure to slide out of my hand! No mains charger is supplied – you might think that for the price it’d be included. Also, the battery lifespan is a lot shorter than Apple claims (and the employment of the location pin-pointing system quickly drains it) – making a mains or automobile charger more of a must-have as you will not always be close to a PC to charge it using the USB lead. Standard Apple earphones are offered, and they do not have any remote controls (like volume control), and theyare not ‘in-ear ‘, so never appear to stay in my ears.