Apple iPod touch 3rd Generation (8 GB)

The iPod touch 3rd generation is technically a 2nd generation device with an updated operating system. It offers an incredible video iPod, pocket computer, and portable game player all in a single sleek unit with exceptional battery life. The iPod touch offers the same Multi-Touch interface as the iPhone, which allows you to use your fingers to control all aspects of the iPod. The touch has WiFi capability for connecting to the Internet, checking email, and connecting to the iTunes store. Bluetooth technology allows you to connect wirelessly to other devices for seamless integration or enjoy wireless stereo sound by using Bluetooth headphones. The 3rd generation iPod touch also offers Spotlight search, voice controls, and voice memos with the OS 3.1 software, as well as cut, copy, and paste functions and Genius Playlists and Mixes.

The Apple iPOD Touch 3rd generation 32-GB digital media player supports music playback, podcast downloads, video playback, and allows rentals from iTunes stores. The voice command feature in the iPOD Touch enables playback control by calling out the name of the song, album or artist. The Genius playlist feature on this MP3 player allows you to create your own genre-based playlists from the App Store recommendations. You can even go online and check emails via the Safari Web browser preloaded on this digital media player. With Bluetooth stereo (A2DP) enabled, this MP3 Player can easily be paired with any Bluetooth-compatible devices.

The third generation of Apple's iPod Touch is still the king of the hill when it comes to portable, Wi-Fi-wielding media players. New additions such as Voice Control, graphics enhancements, improved accessibility, higher capacity, and a faster processor help to refine an already excellent product.

I decided to upgrade after buying my wife the 1st Gen iPod touch 16GB.
My likes & Dislikes are based on differences I see over my 2 previous iPods (4GB Nano, and 80GB Classic 5th Gen.)

Excellent battery life. Approaches the stated 30 or so hours. This is achieved with Wi-fi turned off and screen lock set to 1 minute. Otherwise battery life is a disappointing hour or so.

Music search is great with the title/ artist selection by alphabetic listing. Just touch the letter. Even though the Classic and Nano have the click wheel (which is great), this is even better when you can point to the first letter. I guess this is why it's called the touch.

A little annoyance I have is that you need to slide-to-unlock to access the main screen after the lock has timed out. Having not read the manual (who does anymore?), I did discover you can double click the select button to access the music controls (functions limited to Reverse/ Forward track and Pause/ Play).

Screen resolution is Great. I heard the 4th Gen has a higher resolution. Plays You Tube clips adequately. Built in speaker is a plus over the 1st Gen.

Wi-Fi access is a good feature. Internet access is convenient, but searching and looking at e-mails on a small screen takes some getting used to.

32GB is less than half of the Classic's 80GB, but is adequate for my 3500+ songs. I've used approx 24GB so I guess it's ok for my needs. The next larger size for the Touch is 64GB, but I couldn't justify the jump in price.

I guess 32GB of flash memory (no moving parts) unlike the Classic's hard drive which I'm always careful with at the gym. The Classic I had to place on the treadmill's front panel to prevent excessive movement. One less thing to worry about with solid state memory.

Final point - all iPod devices need a case. I have a flip type leather case. Having the Audio jack on the bottom of the unit enables you to open the case when the wire is plugged in. They've thought of everything is seems.

Overall I rate this as an Excellent buy!!!
Pank 2.20.2011

Pros: Great media player with lots of features(see below)Can get excellent value from very good condition used models.
Cons: New models are pricey. Must have iTunes if you want to use full features. At times the screen is too small to type if you have med-large size fingers. Unable to do some cool stuff if you don't jail break.

The best media player and so much more. Not only is this a fantastic player, but you also have access to the Apple App Store with tons of free apps. Besides all the great games one of the best apps I found is called iCall. It allows you to make free phone calls with your iPod Touch over Wifi. You can almost do everything with your touch that you can do with the phone.

Do your research. Find a Great Seller. Buying used is OK. Be sure to get a good screen protector and case.

Battery Life: I usually get about every 4-5 hrs of play after a charge. Less with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled.
4/5 - Good
Features: Touch screen interface, music, movies, books, games (apps), surfing the web and more.
5/5 - Excellent
Design: Sleek, smooth, easy to carry/hold
4/5 - Good
Overall Value: Features + Functions
5/5 - Excellent