Apple iPod Touch versus the rest--Ask the Editors
I don't know about you, but I could get used to the four-day workweek. That said, returning from time off on the day of Apple's annual iPod announcement is not exactly the best way to ease back into things. With four new iPods unleashed on the world, the MP3-reviews editors are not hurting for things to do--including fielding a flurry of questions about whether an iPod upgrade is worthwhile. After two weeks off, MP3 Mailbox is back with a question worthy of the lingering iPod-overload atmosphere.
Second generation iPod Touch
(Credit: CNET Networks/Corinne Schulze)Q: I have a question about what MP3 player I should get. I want a player with video, 8GB (or more) memory, and possibly touch screen. I would prefer it to be pocketable, but that doesn't matter as much. The two I have found are the second-gen iPod Touch and the Archos 5. I also found a refurbished first-gen iPod Touch for $60 less than the second-gen. My question: is the new iPod Touch worth the $60 dollars more, and out of all three MP3 players which should I get? If you could suggest any more that would be great.--Don, via e-mail
A: The iPod Touch is perhaps the best option among advanced PVPs, and--despite the fact that I'm a fiercely against touch screens for my own personal use--it's the only touch-screen portable device that I actually enjoy using. Plus, unlike the Archos 5, it uses solid state (flash) memory, which is more durable and stable than hard-drive memory, and it is pocketable. I haven't spent much time with the Archos 5 (Senior Editor Donald Bell's review is set to post soon), but the size alone makes it less desirable as an everyday player--it is more Internet media tablet, less PVP. On the plus side, the Archos 5 can run over 3G (if you have an active SIM card), and it can record video directly from your TV using the optional DVR dock--the iPod Touch does not offer either option.
Samsung P2.
When deciding between the first-gen or second-gen iPod Touch, consider whether the following features are worth $60: a slimmer design, dedicated volume controls, voice recording capability (with an optional add-on), support for Nike+, and a built-in speaker. Those five features are what distinguishes the newer iPod Touch from its predecessor.
One other player to consider in the touch-screen realm is the Samsung P2. It doesn't have Wi-Fi or Web browsing like the others, but it does come with integrated Bluetooth for streaming wireless audio, among other things. While the iPod Touch supports video purchased and rented from iTunes, the P2 supports video purchased and rented from Amazon's Video On Demand service (formerly Unbox). It's more compact than the iPod Touch and offers some features which may be compelling for you (subway maps and an integrated FM tuner, for example). Best of all, sound quality is nothing short of stellar, and at $179 for 8GB, it's the cheapest player mentioned here. However, in my experience, the iPod's touch screen is more accurate than that of the P2.
(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks)MP3 Mailbox Monday is a recurring feature where I answer a selection of questions about MP3 players and accessories, such as headphones, speakers, and music services and software. Check back often to see if the advice presented here might be of some use to you, or send your questions directly to me. (Note: We never include last names, but if you prefer to remain completely anonymous, please state as much in your e-mail.)
For more than five years, Jasmine France has covered a variety of tech products for CNET--from scanners to keyboards to GPS devices--but she's happiest where she is now: sitting atop a pile of MP3 players, "testing" every music service known to man, and jamming a variety of earbuds in every shape and color into her absurdly small ears. E-mail Jasmine.
Donald Bell is an electronic musician, a veteran record store employee, and a fearless hardware hacker. He's also CNET's Senior Editor for MP3 and digital audio.
Jasmine France is CNET's resident digital audio doyenne, writing and editing product reviews, crave blogs, and feature stories on all things MP3. And if you need advice on headphones, she's your girl.
If you want a PDA that can play media, then get the Touch. So long as you have wifi (50% of the included apps require it) then quick access to email, weather, and the web are worth the added cost over the Samsung.
Archos is catching up though. (To the halfway point, that is.) But why can't they break into the North American market?
Not knocking apple, i just have a different set of priorities.
Apple fans are devoted as they are for a reason (I am considering purchasing one of the new iPod nanos since my last iPod mini gave up the ghost. And before anyone comments about the quality of Apple products, the thing was almost bulletproof. What happened was that the click wheel went out, which had more than a little to do with the sweat that permeated it when I ran. The salt caused corrosion of the motherboard as well)., namely because they're stylish, functional and reliable.
Apple, you would have had me if the 32gb was $300 - $350, but you didn't. Good job.
Judging by this quote from you, it looks like you wouldn't have been happy with the iPod Touch, even if it was in your price range.
Visit http://www.archos.com/corporate/investors/financial_rep_pr.html?country=us&lang=en&year=2008 and then read:
1. Presentation results ARCHOS to see their forecast for 2008 as of April 2008.
2. Chiffre d?affaires du 1er semestre 2008 to see actual 1H results for 2008.
3. Availability of Reference Document 2008 to see that they admit that they could face a liquidity crisis.
Archos stated on April 22 that they will dump the 5 line at the end of 2008.
These devices do alot, but the eye strain from such small screens make them little more than toys or "short time" players.
btw, most cell phones do the same thing and you can CALL with them too!
For now at least, the 1Gen 8Gig version is at amazon at $30 cheaper than the 2Gen version, and I think it's worth the $30. But again, that's my preference when I measure MY priorities with an mP3 player.
It is perfectly fine...the web browsing could be a bit faster but i am not complaining, its speed it better than most phones out there. also, the app store gives you the coolest apps ever. Many are free and the ones that cost money are worth the price!
Hey I have no problems with these peeps...I just prefer to have a "real" life besides than where I have to be plugged in to some device or another....
Back to the subject...for all around convenience,ease of use and product quality its the TOUCH for me! Hands down!
as for watching movies on the touch? Sure I prefer my big screen, but the touchs' screen is perfectly watchable...even for longer time periods...for those of you who are complaining about headaches I suggest you schedule a visit to first your optometrist then if that doesn't help, a visit to your doctor should be considered!
but enough bout that i wanted to just say ive been threw a couple of mp3 players in my time and i own like 6 or 7. i have zune 30gig fat ,sansa 4gig, ipod nano 2gen,3gen,4gen 120 classic, and a 2gen ipod touch and i love them all and i use them all but the one i always find myself comeing back to is the touch... idk theres just something about it that makes me love it.. maybe im crazy or maybe i just know whats good idk. but as with any mp3 player out thier on the market im gonna say as of right now its gonna be the ipod touch and the ipod classic. the ipod touch for user freindlyness and the fun factor while the 120/160 gig classic for those crazy music and movie people who just want to own it all..
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March 24, 2009 2:23 PM PDT
- Can't just help but laugh at some comments on here, I could have sworn that some people are being paid by Apple and Archos to promote there device.
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(23 Comments)1) The review above is biased, and a load of it are outright wrong.
2) Why on God's Earth will you want to mess you neck and eyes up watching a small screen for over 30 minutes?
3) When it comes to interface, its Itouch - Hands down, functionality I will give it to Archos.
4)Web browsing on Archos is also faster.
5) As of the date I wrote this, application support goes to iTouch, but that will soon go to Archos as they will start using Google's Android OS on Archos 5 and 7. So in this regard, iTouch is screwed.
And the please when you want to buy a PVP, its not just a matter of which one is best, you have to look at your budget, what you want to use the device for, and what you want the device to interface with. I have used both device several times and believe me they both have there merits. I hate the fact that I can't use iTouch without uTunes and the fact that Archos have to sell there bits and pieces (Good thing the web browser is now free). I have the Archos 5 and previously the Archos 605 and my friend with the iTouch always tells me he wishes he has gone with the Arcos 5 and I envied his iTouch also, but if I am asked to choose one I will go with the Archos as it's got so much, and will soon support Android, so it should be only be a matter of firmware upgrade.
To all you people facing the daunting decision of which one to go for, please just consider;
1) Your budget.
2)The memory capacity that you think will suit your need.
3)Interfacing with other devices.
4)Future application support.
5) WHAT YOU WANT THE DEVICE TO DO. (This is the biggest)
G'luck and hope you make the best decision that will suit your life style.