Apple iPod touch (8GB; second generation)

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As the less-gifted sibling of Apple's celebrated iPhone, the iPod touch has had to work hard to prove itself. Now in its second generation, Apple has finally given the iPod touch a chance to shine by lowering its price (an 8GB model now runs S$388 (US$281.18)), improving the hardware, and practically doubling the features from last year's original model.

Editors' note:

This review is based on tests done by our sister site CNET.com. As such, please note that there may be slight differences in the testing procedure and ratings system. For more information on the actual tests conducted on the product, please inquire directly at the site where the article was originally published. References made to some other products or telcos in this review may not be available or applicable in Asia.

Design

Apple's Cover Flow music menu is a bit useless on the smaller screens of the iPod nano and iPod classic, but it's a fantastic way to browse music on the iPod touch.

Apple's updates to the iPod touch's design are subtle, but the hardware has definitely changed for the better. A slim volume switch now graces the left edge of the touch, making it easier to make quick volume adjustments. The chromed steel back of the second-generation iPod touch now mimics the rounded design of the iPhone 3G, giving the device a slimmer profile at its edges. Whether psychological or by design, the second-generation iPod touch feels less fragile than last year's model and makes the plastic enclosure of the iPhone 3G feel cheap by comparison.

Minor improvements aside, the second-generation iPod touch hardware is largely unchanged. Both the first- and second-generation iPod touch share the same dimensions (110 x 61.8 x 8.5mm), same glass-covered screen (3.5 inch), and same arrangement of headphone jack, dock connector, sleep button, and home button.

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