Apple iPod Touch 2011 (8GB, black)

Pros: HD camera and editing in my pocket anywhere I go. Great graphics and movies. The price is reasonable for the amount of computing capabilities. I replaced a laptop computer with an iPod touch. And it plays music.

Cons: The video camera is only fair. The overall construction is poor compared to first generation iPods.

Summary: I bought a first generation iPod touch several years ago. I got the 8 gig model, figuring it was a nice toy that I could listen to my music on and occasionally check my email. I immediately fell in love with the high quality device and used it daily. It survived many falls (Including three into the toilet though that did cause some issues.)

I realized that I would soon need to buy a new Touch. My old one was having battery issues and I felt like I could not live without it. So I bought a 32 gig 4th gen iPod touch. I loved it. The camera was wonderful even though it is only basic point and shoot. As a professional video editor, I found iMovie fun to use and though it is limited, it really has all of the basics to put together a nice looking video. I was able to put together a short, HD family outing video in iMovie and upload it to mobile me in less than 20 minutes. That is very impressive from a device that fits in my pocket. My only complaint is the construction. The thin size of the iPod touch makes it difficult to hold, and while I was trying to slide it into the camera case I carry it in, it slipped from my fingers and hit the sidewalk. This bent the pressed steel case and shattered the glass. This was a fall that my 1st generation iPod would not have noticed due to the aluminum frame around it's glass screen. I was very happy with Apple's customer care and service people at the local Apple store.

All in all this is a great device. It is perfect for vacations, the family get together and other outdoor or brightly lit casual video shoots. It is great for checking email, playing games and reading books. I watch movies and tv shows with it on my television using an optional component cable. oh and it plays music too.

If you buy one, make sure you do not leave the store without a shock absorbing case for it. (At the time of this writing none were available from the Apple store so you might want to wait a couple of weeks.)