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Apple iPod Touch 4G

iPhone lite

Using Facetime on the iPod Touch requires you to set up an Apple ID and also to have the e-mail address of the person you want to contact (and for them to have that e-mail account set up on their own iPhone or iPod Touch). Now, that ought to be straightforward enough, but there are three different apps on the iPod that can be used to enter your e-mail details – the FaceTime app, Mail and Contacts – and the procedure isn’t that well explained.

Apple iPod Touch 4G

Earbud headphones and the sonic performance remain the same as ever

The problem appears to be that, even though you can enter in your e-mail into FaceTime, there is an initial verification process required, so you need to be sure you’ve configured the mail client on the iPod Touch too. I ended up searching around on Apple’s web site for a PDF manual before I could get everything set up properly. Once that was done the FaceTime option worked very well, and I can imagine kids going crazy with it – perhaps even switching from texting to ‘facing’ with their friends.

The only disappointment is the almost inevitable price rise. This model reverses last year’s price cuts, with the cheapest 8GB model rising from £149 to £189, while the 32GB and 64GB models go up to £249 and £329 respectively. I’ve seen quite a few pre-teen kids with iPod Touches that their parents bought them last Christmas, but I have to wonder how many of those parents would spring almost £200 for this year’s model.

Verdict

The iPod Touch is an amazingly versatile little gadget, and the improved performance of this model enhances its gaming credentials, while the FaceTime technology will appeal to adults and youngsters alike. The stills camera is unspectacular, but having HD video recording with all these other features suggests that potential Flip or Bloggie buyers will expect to see some significant price changes on these models to sway them from the iPod Touch. That said, the increased prices will probably deter some potential buyers just after a media player, but Apple’s recent track record suggests that it has another hit on its hands. ®

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Apple iPod Touch 4G

Apple iPod Touch 4G

PMP favourite revamp with gaming enhancements and the long-awaited camera for video recording and FaceTime calling.
Price: 8GB (£189), 32GB (£249), 64GB (£329) RRP

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