Monday, March 21, 2011

iPad 2


With the original iPad, Apple brought an attractive, easy-to-use tablet computer to the masses at a reasonable price — a feat numerous companies are trying to top.
With last week's unveiling of the iPad 2, Apple is pulling further ahead, with improvements that make an already excellent tablet even more enticing. It goes to show that when it comes to tablets, Apple refuses to be bested.
The iPad 2 launches in Australia on March 25. Its Australian price is yet to be revealed.
The new iPad is skinnier, faster and slightly lighter. It comes with cameras for video chatting and snapping photos, while keeping the same prices, ranging from $US499 ($498) to $US829 depending on the configuration.
Competitors such as Motorola Mobility and Samsung Electronics sell good tablets of their own, with many of the same features. Motorola's new Xoom, which hasn't been launched in Australia yet, even has a higher-resolution screen than the iPad. Still, nobody has been able to match the iPad's simplicity, innovation and style.
The iPad 2 looks much like the first iPad, though it has a sleeker, lighter body with a curved back. All this helps the tablet fit more naturally in my hands, and the modified shape makes it easier to hold for extended e-reading sessions, for example.
Among the most noticeable changes is the inclusion of cameras, one on the front and one on the back.
This is something I've been hankering for, as the iPad's crisp display, measuring 9.7 inches (24.6 centimeters) diagonally, seemed like the ideal canvas for video chat. The subsequent arrival of several tablets with front and rear cameras made it practically a necessity for iPad 2.
Fortunately, Apple thought so, too. Both cameras on the iPad 2 work with the company's FaceTime video chat application and the back camera shoots high-definition videos.
A friend I chatted with over FaceTime moved pretty smoothly on the iPad's screen, though the image could have been much sharper. With the front camera, my friend could see me. If I switched to the back camera, I could show him my surroundings.
You can take still photos, too, though I found this awkward given the tablet's size. The results were not fantastic, but self-portrait fans will find the front-facing camera useful for composing new profile photos for Facebook.
The new iPad has Apple's new dual-core A5 chip, which helped applications open more quickly than on the older iPad. The original never felt slow, but the faster I can start a new game ofPlants vs. Zombies, the better.
Add to that a new version of Apple's iOS software. The new processor and the new iOS combined to improve web surfing, as I could load up pages noticeably faster over my home Wi-Fi network. As expected, videos loaded quickly and generally streamed flawlessly.
The new software allows you to share music and videos from your iTunes library on multiple Apple devices on the same Wi-Fi network. And it now lets you set the iPad's mute switch to function as a screen lock, which makes it much easier to prevent my Netflix movie from rotating mid-scene just because I've shifted my butt on the couch.
The updated iOS comes with iPad 2 and is available as a free download for the original iPad and the two most recent models of the iPhone and iPod Touch.
Apple is also rolling out iPad versions of its iMovie video-editing software and GarageBand software for recording and editing music. I tried GarageBand ($US5) and was wowed by how simple it was and how well it took advantage of the iPad's touch screen.
If you're musically inclined, you can pick up your guitar and adjust its sound through GarageBand's bevy of amplifiers and effects pedals. If you don't play an instrument (or feel lazy), you can swipe through a list of "smart" virtual instruments. A guitar with preset chords lets you strum by swiping the screen. You can arrange drums on a grid based on how noisy and complicated you want the beat to sound.
The coolest part is how sensitive the virtual instruments are. Start beating your fingers on a virtual drum kit, and you can hit the drums and cymbals harder or softer. You'll get different sounds if you hit the ride cymbal in different places, and you can even tap the rim of the snare instead of just hitting the drum itself.
It's quick and easy to record and edit songs, then save or email them to a friend (who will hopefully applaud your artistic endeavors).
When playing back my musical masterpiece and other content on the iPad 2 I did long for a second speaker — there is just one on its back. Fortunately, that lone speaker did sound quite crisp, even with the sound turned all the way up.
Like the first iPad, the iPad 2 is rated for up to 10 hours of battery life, and it performed like a champ. Playing a mix of videos streamed from YouTube over Wi-Fi and saved on the iPad itself, I got a bit more than 10 hours of entertainment before it died.
You can buy versions that work with 3G networks. The cheapest iPad connects only through Wi-Fi, however. You can also get it in black or white — before, your only option was black.
Without question, the iPad 2 is a great tablet. Still, this doesn't mean the first iPad is ready for the trash can. It's still a stellar gadget, and now it's cheaper (while supplies last) with the arrival of a successor.
Should you feel the urge to have the latest and greatest, however, go for it. Chances are, it will be the best tablet in town — at least until the arrival of the iPad 3

from:http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/digital-life/ipad/review-ipad-2-20110311-1bqa6.html

Sunday, March 06, 2011

GoodsnCheap: Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR Overview

GoodsnCheap: Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR Overview: "The Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR places an EXR-branded sensor into an HS-series camera body. The 16 megapixel EXR sensor in the Fuji HS20EXR is ..."

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Review Samsung Galaxy Tab



Samsung Galaxy Tab

The good: Samsung's 7-inch Android tablet is a serious contender to the Apple iPad, boasting two cameras, Flash compatibility, and a more convenient size.
The bad: The Tab behaves more like a supersize Android phone than a Netbook alternative. The Android OS and its apps aren't yet optimized for the larger screen. Depending on your plan, you may be in for a two-year contract and a commitment to monthly charges.
The bottom line: The Galaxy Tab is a beautiful product with features that will make iPad owners envious, but its in-between size and possible carrier commitments hold it back from broad appeal.



Since the arrival of the Apple iPad in April of 2010, we've seen a handful of competitors step up with inexpensive tablet alternatives in all shapes and sizes. With the Galaxy Tab, Samsung has created a true peer of the iPad--an uncompromising product that stakes out new territory in terms of both design and features.
Unlike the 9.7-inch iPad and its Apple iOS software, the Tab's screen measures 7 inches diagonally and runs Google's Android 2.2 operating system. Sprint's version of the Tab goes on sale November 14, priced at $399 with a two-year contract and a monthly data plan, or as an off-contract model for $599. Data plans come in two versions: a $29 plan with a 2GB cap, and a $59 plan with a 5GB cap. Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T will all have similar versions of the Tab, though pricing and availability may vary.
Design
Tablets are only as good as their screens, and the Tab's screen is a glossy beauty with the strength of a beast, thanks to a protective layer of Corning Gorilla glass. The LCD underneath it is a crisp 1,024x600-pixel resolution, which is on par with the iPad, but since the screen is about half the size, the pixel density is much tighter. The screen uses a capacitive, multitouch technology that can match the iPad in both response time and usefulness. Not once did we catch ourselves cursing at it--at least, not in the same threatening tone as we used with the Dell Streak or the Archos 7 Home Tablet.
Above the screen you have a front-facing 1.3-megapixel camera, perfect for video chat with the included Qik app. Across the bottom you have the typical Android-style buttons for menu, home, back, and search. There's a standard headphone jack on the top, and volume and power buttons on the side, along with a microSD card slot. For this model from Sprint, a 16GB card came installed. Samsung's dock connector and a pair of built-in speakers are located on the bottom edge. The dock connector works with the included USB adapter and power brick, but can also be used for accessories, such as a keyboard dock or video output adapter.

On the back of the Tab you'll see a smooth white plastic back and a more impressive 3-megapixel camera with an integrated flash. The camera can capture video at a maximum resolution of 720x480 pixels at 30 frames per second.
Overall, the Tab, at 7.5 inches tall by 4.7 inches wide by 0.5 inch thick, has a solid, paperback book feel that can be comfortably grasped in one hand. Unlike the Apple iPad, we never felt that we needed to set the Tab on our lap or cross our legs just to use it comfortably. For better or worse, it operates and behaves just like a giant Android smartphone, requiring little-to-no learning curve to navigate menus, type e-mails, or browse the Web.
Features
Before we get into the nitty gritty of what the Tab has to offer, let's state for the record that the two best features of the Tab are the least complicated to understand. First off, you have the size--which is smaller, lighter, and more convenient than the iPad. Second, there's the full, undiluted Android 2.2 experience, complete with third-party apps, and the official Android Market for all the latest and greatest apps. We've seen other Android tablets this same size, but none running Android 2.2 with Market support. Similarly, we've seen tablets like the Dell Streak that offer the Android Market, but the size is cramped and the OS isn't yet up to 2.2. Currently, only the Galaxy Tab hits this "just right" Goldilocks zone among Android tablets--and that's what makes it exciting.
When you unlock the Tab's touch screen, you'll find a familiar home screen with a floating Google search bar, dock icons for e-mail, Web browser, and a drawer for apps. Hold the Tab in either portrait or landscape view and the built-in accelerometer sensor will reorient the screen automatically. By default, the Tab includes three main home screens, which you can jump between by flicking left or right. Beyond the core apps in the dock (mail, Web, drawer), the first of the three home screens comes preinstalled with apps for Market, Messaging, Sprint Zone (a Web link for relevant Sprint and Tab news), Contacts, Free Games (crippled Gameloft demos you'd do well to skip), Gallery, Amazon Kindle, and Samsung's video download portal, Media Hub. Aside from the Kindle app, these are all the same home screen apps you'd find on Samsung's Epic 4G smartphone.
You have to dig a little deeper to appreciate the work Samsung did to differentiate the Tab experience from its line of premium Android smartphones. Spend some time in the app drawer, and you'll find that seemingly benign apps like Contacts, Calendar, and Memo have all been optimized by Samsung for the larger screen, using split-screen views and nested tabs to take advantage of the added screen real estate.
Most Android apps, unfortunately, aren't yet designed for the larger screens of tablets. It's a complaint you'll hear echoed in all of our Android tablet reviews so far. With all the extra room, some apps stretch unnaturally to fill the space (Pandora), whereas others appear like large print versions of their original smartphone incarnations. Until Google commits to the tablet form and offers developers and consumers a way to distinguish tablet-optimized apps from smartphone apps, this is going to be a recurring headache for everyone

 In spite of some frustrations, there are quite a few things the Galaxy Tab nails dead on that will get Apple fanboys flustered. Because the Tab includes GPS, the included navigation app does an excellent job as an in-car navigation device, offering turn-by-turn directions, points of interest, and voice search (via the integrated microphone).
Another little advantage the Tab has over the iPad is Adobe Flash 10.1 compatibility, allowing all of the Web's Flash video content to play natively in the browser. The results are a little choppy in some cases, but it's nice to have the option.

Performance
Predictably, when you add up the Flash video playback, GPS, and 3G (not to mention Bluetooth and 720p video decoding), battery life can go downhill quickly. By pulling down on the home screen you can access a menu for quickly activating or killing off GPS, Bluetooth, and 3G, helping to squeeze the most from your battery life. Keeping yourself to core features such as Web browsing, music, and e-mail, Samsung expects you'll get around 7 hours of battery life with Wi-Fi active.
As far as media playback performance is concerned, audio, video, and photos all work beautifully. Transferred content--whether by USB or microSD card--is immediately scanned by the device and accessible in the appropriate app. Samsung's years creating highly rated portable media players is evident in little extras, such as audio enhancement settings, video bookmarking, and a mosaic view of video stills for quickly skipping to the perfect spot in a movie.
The movie and video content available through Samsung's Media Hub is priced competitively with Apple's iTunes offerings. Most movies are available to buy for between $9.99 and $17.99, or rentable for between $1.99 and $3.99. A decent selection of TV shows is also available for download, with content from NBC, MTV, Warner Bros., Comedy Central, and others, all priced at $1.99. All of the videos in the Media Hub have been optimized for playback on the Galaxy Tab.
As an e-book reader, the Tab has plenty going for it. The included Kindle app grants you access to one of the most popular e-book retailers in the world. Through the Android Market, e-book software from Barnes & Noble and dozens of other sources can be installed. As an alternative to a dedicated e-book reader, such as the Kindle, Nook, or Sony Reader, the Tab's paperback-like dimensions make it a natural fit. On the downside, the Tab's battery life is relatively low; it's considerably heavier than most e-readers; and its highly reflective backlit LCD isn't as revered by book lovers as e-ink screens.
If productivity is your thing, you'll be happy to know that the Tab's calendar and e-mail apps readily took to our Gmail and Exchange accounts. We're also happy to see the ThinkFree Office app preinstalled, which allows you to view and edit any Microsoft Office documents. That said, for serious document editing, it makes more sense to spend the same amount on a Netbook with a larger screen and peripheral support.
Tabs versus Pads
Now for the big question: iPad or Galaxy Tab? The short answer, in our opinion, is iPad. It's offered at a better range of pricing options--none of which requires any form of carrier contract. Apple's catalog of apps optimized for tablet-size screens number in the thousands, whereas the Tab has just a handful--and they're not terribly exciting. If you feel that a tablet computer should be more than just a supersize smartphone, the iPad is still the best game in town.
In fairness, what we enjoy most about the Galaxy Tab is that it's not trying to exactly copy the iPad's blueprint for success. Sure, Samsung's notepad, calendar, and photo apps look like pixel-for-pixel reproductions of the iPad's, but let's not overlook the fact that the Tab is half the size of the iPad. It's a different type of product that presents a different use case, one geared more for portability. That said, the Android smartphone market seems to cover a lot of this territory already.
The Tab is also reaching out to all of the people who winced at the iPad's lack of Adobe Flash support, video camera, memory expansion, and drag-and-drop file support. If these are the features that have been holding you back from purchasing a tablet, then the Tab should be a perfect match.

Wednesday, February 09, 2011

Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR Overview

The Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR places an EXR-branded sensor into an HS-series camera body. The 16 megapixel EXR sensor in the Fuji HS20EXR is a newly developed, CMOS imager, as opposed to earlier Super CCD EXR designs. It uses a backside-illuminated layout, with the wiring moved off the light-sensitive side of the chip, hence increasing the light gathering area available for each photodiode. Fuji's EXR image sensors feature a rearranged Color Filter Array, offering more effective pixel binning (for improved sensitivity at reduced resolution), plus the ability to read out half the pixels during exposure (for increased dynamic range). It isn't clear whether the new EXR-CMOS chip retains the same 45-degree octagonal pixel layout seen in Super CCD EXR ships, which allows somewhat increased resolution on the horizontal and vertical axes. The camera can automatically select the best mode of operation -- favoring the best resolution, dynamic range, or signal/noise ratio -- via its EXR Auto mode.

The Fuji HS20 couples its sensor with a Super EBC FUJINON-branded 30x optical zoom lens with manual zoom control, and actual focal lengths ranging from f/4.2 at wide angle to f/126 at telephoto, equating to the same range as a 35mm camera with a 24mm - 720mm lens, a generous wide angle to a very powerful telephoto. Maximum aperture varies from f/2.8 at wide angle to f/5.6 at telephoto, and the lens has 58mm filter threads. Given the extreme telephoto reach, mechanical image stabilization is obviously a necessity to fight blur from camera shake, and the Fuji FinePix HS20 includes sensor shift stabilization. Images and movies can be framed and reviewed either on an electronic viewfinder, or a 3.0-inch, tiltable LCD display. A proximity sensor detects when the camera is brought to the photographer's eye, and switches between the two display types automatically.
Output from the EXR-CMOS sensor is processed by a newly developed Fujifilm EXR-branded image processor, and the combination allows swift shooting at eight frames per second for as many as eight full resolution frames, as well as 11 frames per second shooting for an unspecified burst depth at a reduced eight megapixel resolution. For times when less speed is required, lower rates of three or five frames per second are also available. A contrast detection autofocus system in the camera is said to allow focusing in a minimum of 0.16 seconds, although no information is provided on the maximum focusing time required.
The Fujifilm HS20EXR can capture 1080p high definition videos at an unspecified frame rate using H.264 compression in a .MOV container, while still images can be saved in raw or JPEG formats, as well as in both formats simultaneously. There's also a 320 frames-per-second movie mode which shoots at unspecified resolution. A Motion Panorama mode uses the camera's swift shooting to capture a number of sequential photos for stitching into a 180, 240, or complete 360-degree panorama, either horizontally or vertically. An automatic scene recognition function can identify no less than 27 different scene types, and then configure the camera automatically as appropriate for the detected type. Other features include film simulation bracketing (Provia, Velvia, Astia), dynamic range bracketing (100%, 200%, 400%), and autoexposure bracketing, plus the ability to recognize the faces of eight specific individuals, and to automatically correct red-eye. Connectivity in the Fujifilm HS20 includes an optional cabled remote release, and a high definition mini-HDMI video output.
The Fujifilm FinePix HS20 ships from late March 2011, priced at around US$500.


Apple iPod touch (Gen 4) Full Review

Apple iPod touch (Gen 4) Full Review



The fourth-generation iPod touch is the latest version of Apple's handheld computer with added features, such as the speedy A4 processor, front and rear cameras, FaceTime video chat, iOS 4.1, and a high resolution Retina display.
It is currently available starting at $230 for a version with 8 GB of storage, $300 for the 32 GB version, and $400 for the 64 GB one.
BUILD & DESIGN
The new iPod touch is beautifully designed, as all Apple products are, with sleek lines and modern details. Unlike the iPhone 4, it isn't at all boxy. It is remarkably thin and light, with strongly tapered edges. If you use the device "naked" you may not even remember it's in your pocket -- it really is that small.
With smartphones, they sometimes seem quite light... and then you notice that the battery is still in the box, so you are immediately disappointed with a light phone that almost instantly becomes a heavy "brick" in your pocket.. That isn't the case here; the iPod touch is sealed so it comes fully assembled with the battery inside and it weighs just a few ounces.
The build quality is excellent, as you would expect from Apple. There is no creaking, bending, or flexing of any kind.

Display
The new Retina display on the iPod touch is absolutely gorgeous. I haven't had the opportunity to see it side-by-side with a new iPhone 4 yet, so it's hard to make direct comparisons. I can say that it is vastly superior to my old iPod touch. It is extremely sharp and clear, and much more readable outside in bright sunlight.
My photos look better than ever before, and video does too -- amazingly sharp and clear. If you have an older iPod touch, you'll see a huge difference in the display -- the new Retina technology represents a great improvement.
This improvement isn't really all that surprising, considering the screen resolution has gone from 320x480 to 640x960, but the display size hasn't changed -- it's still 3.5 inches.
Keyboard
The iPod touch doesn't have a physical keyboard, instead relying on a virtual keyboard for text entry. It works well, but of course I have long experience with the old iPod touch so there's nothing new for me here. I can say that typing is easier with the new model because it is fast enough to make the built-in word completion utility a pleasure to use instead of a pain.
It also lets you double tap on the shift key to enable Caps Lock, which I use all time time and am thankful to have. It's a little thing, but it isn't available on the original iPod Touch.
Other Buttons & Controls
The front of the device seems to be all screen, because it is all black. This differs from my original first-generation model, which has a display that appears lighter when it is off, like a calculator. The Home button is centered below the screen.
A low-res camera for use with the FaceTime video-conferencing app is centered over the top of the display, while the main image/video camera is on the top left corner of the the back of the device.
The power button is on the top right, the volume controls are on the upper left side of the device, and the headphone jack and charge/sync port are on the bottom edge.
The external speaker is just to the left of the charge/sync port. It works fairly well, with nice volume, but of course the sound isn't nearly as good as what you get listening with headphones. For games and sharing a new tune with your friends it's plenty good enough, but you won't want to use it all the time.
PERFORMANCE
The new Apple Apple iPod touch is blazingly fast -- everything just works, and works quickly, as soon as you launch an app. This is a noticeable improvement over the earliest models in this series, which can be very slow, depending on the app.
This is also my first experience with the latest version of Apple operating system, and it's nice that iOS 4.1 is preloaded on the device so that there is no need to download and install it myself. As you can imagine for a hardware and software reviewer, I have a lot of apps. Folders are a great addition, and have really helped me organize the home screen of my device. Multitasking works well too, allowing me to jump from app to app with just a couple of taps.
Wireless
Wi-Fi wireless networking works great, with excellent signal strength and none of the annoying "incorrect password" issues that show up almost daily on my previous iPod touch. My old touch often gives me errors when using it with my home network, requiring me to type in the password almost every day. Nothing like that occurs with the new model, and I'm quite pleased with its performance.
When it comes to Bluetooth, things went just as well. I had no trouble pairing it with my Apple Wireless Keyboard. It's ironic, considering that I used a Landware GoType and then a Stowaway Bluetooth folding keyboard with many of my Palm OS handheld over the years, but being able to use a wireless keyboard with the iPod touch turns it into a real (pocketable) productivity tool.
ProductivityMany people buy an iPod touch just to have fun, but there's much more to it than that. It comes with Calendar, Contacts, and Notes built in, and you can sync with Outlook, an Exchange Server, or Google's online services if you like. You'll also find Calculator, Clock, and Voice Memo apps, along with Weather and Maps.
There's nothing particularly new or radically different here, but every single one of the included apps works exactly as you would expect, offering a great out of the box experience. It's ironic to state this, considering the fact that there truly is "an app for that" no matter your needs or interests, but the iPod Touch comes with such a well rounded suite of applications that you don't have to venture into the App Store for a good long while unless you have a specific niche need.
Face Time in particular is a real standout, and it works great. Since you don't have a phone number like you would with an iPhone, you initiate a call through the Contacts app. Just tap on the button at the bottom of a particular contact's details to start a Face Time call over WiFi, and the conversation starts as soon as the other party accepts. It works flawlessly, with no lag or stuttering, and it's a great way to keep up with friends and family when you're on the go.
EntertainmentOf course, the iPod touch has plenty to offer in the "Fun and Games" department. Photos, Videos, iPod, and YouTube are pre-installed with the device. And if you want to add more music, video, and apps, of course you'll find the iTunes Store and the App Store.


There are no games preloaded on this handheld, but there are plenty to download from the App Store, both free and paid.
The new Game Center makes gaming a much more social experience, with the ability to add friends, earn achievements, and play online with others. In many ways it is a true "game changer" and I can understand why Sony and Nintendo are concerned about the incursions Apple is making into their traditional dominance of handheld gaming. Game Center is located "front and center" on the first page of apps on my device, providing richer enjoyment of the games I've downloaded plus an easy way to jump in to the fun, since games can be launched from within the app.
CameraThe camera on the new iPod Touch was quite a disappointment for this photo bug. I was hoping to have something extremely capable, so that I would always have a camera in my pocket, especially considering the excellence of the camera on the iPhone 4. Unfortunately the camera on the fourth-generation iPod Touch is only 960 x 720, and of rather low quality. You can zoom in and out just a bit by pressing on the screen, which is nice, but that doesn't make up or the extremely poor resolution.

That low resolution camera is even more of a head scratcher when you learn that the new iPod Touch is capable of recording HD video in 720p, You could say that the video capture abilities are the complete opposite of the still camera, because videos do come out extremely well -- beautifully sharp and clear. My only small complaint regarding video is that the sound on my recordings came out rather low. That's not a major concern because it's easy enough to turn up the volume during playback.
If you're really serious about video, you'll be glad to know that extremely simple editing functions are included on the Touch, and you can also purchase the iMovie app from the App Store if you think of anything else.
There's an extra camera to talk about here, since the current iPod Touch has a front-facing camera, just above the display. When you're in the Camera app, a single tap on the screen allows you to switch from the back camera to the front, so you can use it for self portraits. Of course the primary function for that front-facing camera is FaceTime video conferencing, and as mentioned above it works very well for that purpose.
My final feelings on the camera functions of this device are mixed, which comes as no surprise. The still camera is rather underpowered, but will help you catch those shots you would otherwise have missed. Be especially careful with barcode scanning apps, because the camera resolution doesn't compare to the iPhone 4. The Sephora shopping app, for example, is unable to capture bar codes on the fourth-gen iPod Touch, and I had to type in the UPCs for each product. If a free lite version of the app you're considering is available, I would strongly suggest that you try before you buy, just to make sure that the app fulfills your needs. The video camera, on the other hand, is extremely good and I've really enjoyed having it with me all the time.
Battery LifeI've never had any problems with battery life on Apple products... until now. I use my iPad quite heavily, for example, and only have to plug it in once every several days. But It seems that there is some sort of glitch in the OS, because the fourth-gen iPod Touch can go completely dead overnight. I have a couple of apps set to update regularly, including Mail, so it could be that the device isn't going back to sleep as it should. I haven't seen it wake up unnecessarily during the day, however, and the battery meter hardly budges, which makes the overnight battery drain even more frustrating.
In any case, this is another disappointment because Apple hasn't acknowledged the problem and therefore hasn't issued a fix. I know this isn't just a defect in my unit, because plenty of folks are discussing it on the various discussion forums online. The only workarounds at the moment are either going into the Settings app and putting the iPod Touch into airplane mode each night (which allows the Touch to last several days before needing a charge, even with heavy use), or else making sure that it's plugged in each night. Neither one is all that difficult of course, though that's one more thing to remember each night if I don't want to face my morning commute with a dead iPod Touch.

 CONCLUSION
I have used my fourth-generation iPod touch extremely heavily over the last month, and it's easy to conclude that it represents a significant upgrade from my first-gen model.The new display is stunning, and even though there are some issues with the camera it's still great to have it in my pocket at all times. The external speaker is good quality though not terribly loud, but it's great to have one and makes playing games without headphones a lot more fun. Being able to use it with the Apple Wireless Keyboard means that the Touch can be much more than a simple entertainment device if you want it to be.
Whether or not the new features like the camera with video capture and the new Retina display make it a worthy upgrade from a second- or third-generation device is a more difficult question to answer at this point, and depends a great deal on your budget.
If you don't already have an iPod Touch and can't stand the thought of signing a contract with AT&T in order to get the iPhone, the new iPod Touch is a great all-around entertainment and productivity device. I find myself reaching for it constantly at the office, at home, and on the go, and the latest iPod Touch is likely to be on plenty of Christmas wish lists this year.
Pros
  • Overall size/thickness/weight -- the iPod Touch is very small and extremely thin
  • Retina display is simply amazing -- apps have never looked better
  • Blazing fast performance means you won't have to wait for apps to launch
  • HD video capture
  • External speaker enhances game enjoyment and music sharing without headphones
Cons
  • Serious battery drain problem
  • Poor still camera
  • Price -- if you're willing to sign a contract, you can get a similarly-equipped smartphone for the same or less


By Jen Edwards, Brighthand.com Contributor