Are There Really Alternatives to the iPod Touch?
Donald Bell of CNET recently profiled some solid iPod Touch competitors in the MP3 player market, especially for buyers interested in moving beyond Apple territory. And he's on the money for the most part: if you're looking for an MP3 player with excellent performance and a fantastic media experience, then you have many choices, including the Zune HD, Sony X-Series, and Samsung P3. This is especially the case if you're a music aficionado, and are looking for the absolute best sound quality available in an MP3 player; as many sites have pointed out, the iPod has never ranked particularly high. But, as with many of Apple's products, it's not just about one thing.
It's proven quite difficult to construct a true iPod Touch killer, just as phone companies have been running themselves ragged to do the same with its iPhone cousin. Apple's technology, in both cases, has moved far beyond media and music—just as the iPhone's phone nature often takes second seat to its applications and malleability. In its way, Apple has created a niche for both of its products, a niche which few companies have been able to wiggle their way into, if at all. And now with its $199 price tag (for the 8GB model), the iPod Touch is priced rather moderately in comparison to its competitors—in many cases, it's even cheaper, considering everything you get for the price.
Yes, the touch screen component is important when looking at its competitors, but the iPod Touch goes far beyond usability and playback. In fact, having been using the iPod Touch for the better part of the last two months, I've found that I think of it far less like an MP3 player and more like a netbook. Up until I started carrying around the slender little gadget, I was mooning over notebooks in spite of the fact that I already had a MacBook. The primary reasoning for wanting a netbook simply had to do connectivity. Whenever I went out in the wide, wide world, I was cut off from email, Twitter, and browsing capabilities. I wanted something lightweight and low profile that I could just slip into my bag. And for that, the iPod Touch has become absolutely indispensable.While a netbook would be great for writing on the go, the truth of the matter is that there are very few instances where the MacBook won't suffice. So with the iPod touch, so long as there's a wifi connection, I can maintain that sense of connectivity and keep myself entertained with zillions of apps. That it happens to play music and has become central to my gym routine is an added bonus at this point.
Certainly Apple has always been at the forefront of the MP3 market, but the iPod Touch really goes far beyond its other iPods. Sure, it's basically an iPhone without the phone (though with Skype capabilities, that line is blurring increasingly; and without a contract, no less). Add to that, the third generation has video capabilities, too, we're really talking about a pocket computer. With full access to the App Store, and continually improving keyboard usability, I wouldn't be surprised if the iPod Touch could indeed work well as a writing platform. As it is, it's great for writing down notes or ideas for later. Not to mention the games and child distraction value, which it has in spades.
But back to the competitors. As Bell suggests, if you're looking for an app-rich internet browser, there is the Archos5, an Android-based tablet starting in the neighborhood of $379.99. And while it's certainly larger than the iPod Touch, there are certainly a number of drawbacks. As the CNET reviewer sums up: "The Archos 5 is a great video player, but it disappoints as a premium Android Internet tablet and GPS unit." At that price, you'd probably be better off just getting a netbook.
When it comes down to it yes, there are better MP3 players out there, if you're talking about sound and sound only. But for a gadget that keeps you connected and entertained, there really is no other substitution.
Study in Sweden on January 14, 2010 at 02:47 PM
Ipod love it..Apple has awesome IPOD with beautifull style...I am using it and love it
discount womens moncler down coats onlines sales on February 27, 2010 at 12:17 AM
I admire what you have done here. I like the part where you say you are doing this to give back but I would assume by all the comments that this is working for you as well. http://www.edhardy-buy.com/ Took me awhile to read all the comments. herve leger dress for you !
phd on April 05, 2010 at 02:57 AM
Archos 5 IT starts at 199 euros (8G) or 299€ (32G). 499 euros is for the 500G hard drive version
sweetie bracelets on June 30, 2010 at 06:57 PM
Every girl will be happy with inspired links of London jewelry which make her look dazzling and outstanding; every girl will be happier to obtain brand jewelry with less money which makes them a sense of achievement. That's why girls all like links jewelry where various links of London jewelries are at most keen prices
More http://www.linksjewelry.co.uk/Bracelets/