Networking

A first look at the Apple iTouch

By // November 12, 2007, 5:25 AM PST // markwkaelin

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  • By Mark Kaelin

    The iTouch is Apple's latest portable multimedia iPod device. The iTouch includes the usual music playing features, but adds video playback and WiFi connectivity to its arsenal. We took a first look at the iTouch recently and here is what we found. The next step of course is to crack it open and see what it looks like on the inside.

  • Macy Gray

    An artist named Macy Gray is on the box cover - I have no idea who that is - but then I'm not really hip anymore.

  • Assembled in China

  • Not much in the box

    Apple continues the tradition of sparse documentation. Tips on how to use the iTouch are going to have to come from somewhere else.

  • Cables

    The Apple iTouch includes ear buds - I hate those things.

  • Pristine

    Apple packages the iTouch with plenty of protective plastic -- too bad that as soon as you start using it the greasy fingerprints will never go completely away.

  • TechRepublic personalization

  • No fingerprints yet

    The screen is crystal clear and bright -- I almost hated to touch it.

  • Connections

    The Apple iTouch has a standard mini audio jack so you won't have to deal with the klunky adapter. The main port doubles as a power and USB connector.

  • On button

    The only other button on the iTouch is the power button. There are no external controls for volume, pause, next on the playlist etc.

  • Small

  • Wallpaper

  • Interface

    The iTouch interface is similar to the iPhone. Push the icons with your finger and away you go.

  • Images

    The visual features of the Apple iTouch allow you more flexibility when it comes to seeing your music collection.

  • List

    You can also view your music via lists if you prefer.

  • Settings

    There are numerous setting options you can play with in the Apple iTouch.

  • WiFi

    One setting area you will find yourself visiting over and over again is the one for WiFi. The iTouch does a good job of seeing WiFi signals, but sometimes it takes a little effort to complete the connection. The Safari browser is very limited.

  • Movies

    Movies on the Apple iTouch are not high-definition obviously, but they look pretty good. It is hard to tell from these pictures, but the screen is just about the right size for palm-of-the-hand viewing.

  • Simple interface

    The movie interface is simple but effective, but I would still like to have some physical buttons to press.

  • Wide screen

    For Star Trek: First Contact, which i downloaded from iTunes, the screen was easy to see. Much better than the iPod Video Nano which was way too small.

By Mark Kaelin

The iTouch is Apple's latest portable multimedia iPod device. The iTouch includes the usual music playing features, but adds video playback and WiFi connectivity to its arsenal. We took a first look at the iTouch recently and here is what we found. The next step of course is to crack it open and see what it looks like on the inside.

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About Mark Kaelin

Mark W. Kaelin has been writing and editing stories about the IT industry, gadgets, finance, accounting, and tech-life for more than 25 years. Most recently, he has been a regular contributor to BreakingModern.com, aNewDomain.net, and TechRepublic.