Apple iPod touch 4th Generation Black (8 GB)

f you were thrilled that the iPod touch 4th Gen model -- as well as the modestly revised iPod touch "4.5" Gen, hereinafter referred to simply as the "4th Gen" for convenience -- have both an integrated speaker and an integrated microphone on the device itself -- a first for the iPod touch line -- and that it supports FaceTime you no doubt were not alone.

Based on e-mail received, many also were immediately excited about its potential use as an ideal Skype phone over a Wi-Fi network.

Real-World Test Results

With the microphone on the back of the device, only "real-world" test results can confirm whether or not it will work sufficiently well as a Skype phone.

In an early review, MacWorld promisingly reported:

With the new iPod touch you can make [Skype/VOIP] calls without a headset. Even though the mic is on the back of the iPod, it's sensitive enough to pick up your voice. And the speaker is audible enough to carry on a conversation.

In its own review, however, Engadget expressed some concern about the volume of the speaker:

One thing to note about FaceTime on the touch -- on our device the volume seemed extremely low even when cranked up (in keeping with our experience for music playback).

In an in-depth review that definitely should be read in its entirety, AnandTech put the iPod touch 4th Gen through its paces and using FaceTime opined:

The only mic on the device is on the back of the phone, next to the rear camera - on the other side of where you'll be speaking. Thankfully this proved to be a non-issue in my office but I can see it being a problem in a more crowded/noisy environment. . .

The major issue I had was with the external speaker volume. I noted a 12dB difference in sound pressure between the iPhone 4's speakerphone and what you get with the iPod Touch while playing music, with voice alone the gap peaks at around 20dB. The iPod Touch's external speaker just isn't loud enough for FaceTime in my opinion. If you're in a very quiet room it's not a problem, but have a computer or two running and it's uncomfortably quiet.

Naturally, whether or not the iPod touch 4th Gen is loud enough for you to use Skype without a headset largely depends on your own hearing and the noise level in the room or rooms that you intend to use the device.

However, based on hands-on use, EveryiPod.com has found that the iPod touch 4th Gen is in fact quieter than the iPhone 4 but still quite sufficient for Skype voice use in a bedroom, living room, or relatively quiet office. It is definitely not loud enough to use outside walking down a modestly busy street -- even should you be lucky enough to have a street bathed in a steady Wi-Fi signal -- but for most users it should work well inside.

iPod touch 4th Gen VOIP Summary

Ultimately, the iPod touch 4th Gen is a solid Skype phone. It allows one to use Skype in a far more convenient manner than the iPod touch 3rd Gen models before it -- which could be comparatively awkward with headsets -- and it does a much better job than often buggy dedicated Skype phones as well.

If you intend to use an iPod touch 4th Gen with Skype (as well as FaceTime), odds are good that you will be pleased with the results. Nevertheless, like all decisions based on personal preference, it would be wise to evaluate the iPod touch 4th Gen in person prior to purchase to ensure that it meets your individual needs for Skype/VOIP use.

Very amzaing product and ive waited many days for this ipod and I love It!

We had one of the first IPOD Touch models and most of the family found it a very usefull piece of technology. Myself I didnt really fancy the touch screen and thought it would be too small to be practical.
When the IPOD Touch 4th generation arrived my youngest daughter,14,got one for Christmas,and the camera,video,Facetime and latest apps available made me decide to get one for myself,a wise move indeed.
The touch screen is great,responsive and easy to use and easy to see even in poor light.
The 8mb storage is ample for me and the MP3 player finds my albums or songs quickly ant the sound quality is amazing.
The choice of free and to buy apps is worth the investment in the Touch alone....and the hours of fun we have with games like Angry Birds or Talking Tom Cat either at home or on the move mean your never stuck for how to pass sparetime.
WiFi,at home and FREE in many public and private areas these days mean its possible to have the internet,send emails and use the amazing Facetime to video chat your family and friends were ever you go (as long as Free internet is available were you are,obviously).
The new camera video/camera is a very welcome addition which hasn't increased the size.
Apple have done it again. A quality multi-tasking piece of state of the art technology thats truelly portable. One of my best purchases in a long time.
If you haven't test drived the latest IPOD Touch go to your nearest Apple store and try it out for FREE,then if you like it look on Ebay for a bargain as I did and get yourself one. I am so pleased I did,I am sure you will be too.

The new Apple ipod touch has many features that older versions didn't have. 'Facetime' is now available, this is easy to access, and quick to make an account.

The 4th generation of the ipod touch posseses a longer battery life than the previous models. The total battery life for the 4G is 40 hours, compared to the 3G which has 30 hours (for songs). For Videos, the battery lasts for 6 hours on the 3rd generation, compared to the 7 hours on the new model.


The way that the ipod is designed makes it easy to handle, as it is slim and lighter than older models. This also makes it easier to use some of the applications, such as games.

Size and weight
Height:
4.4 inches (111.0 mm)
Width:
2.3 inches (58.9 mm)
Depth:
0.28 inch (7.2 mm)
Weight:
3.56 ounces (101 grams)

For people who would prefer to use the ipod touch for just games and applications, i would advise getting the 8GB version.

If you prefer music or would like a mixture, the ideal product would be a 32GB ipod.

If you want an ipod touch to store lots of movies and songs, perhaps if you travel a lot, than the 64GB model would be most suitable.

A big change for the new ipod is the two cameras which it has never been seen before in previous models. There is one on the front, which can be used for Facetime, and one is on the back, for taking pictures in general. The camers is HD (720p). For taking videos, it uses up to 30 frames per second and can be used with the front and back cameras, videos also have audio.

The connectivity of the new ipod touch really stands out. It has bluetooth, wi-fi and maps. The ipod comes with the application Nike + ipod.

The visual side of this model is very good, the brightness of the ipod can be changed to suit you. Everything is crystal clear.

The app store is free and easy to use, to access it, all you need is access to wi-fi and then you can easily download any apps, some are free while others you can pay for using credit card. You can purchase app store gift cards from some shops such as WHSmith. Apps are free to download, once purchased, there are no plug-ins, the app will go straight to your menu once it has been installed.

In conclusion i think that this product is very useful, easy to carry around and is much better than all of the old ipod models, and other touch screen devices.

The iPod 4th Generation is a very good model of the iPod touch. I did used to have the 3rd generation model, however I lost it. The features are practically all the same.
You do not need any other specific apps or headphones for this ipod, the software is the same as for the 3rd generation or another iPod touch. You get all the same starter apps that automatically appear on the ipod, plus two new ones, 'camera' and 'face time'. The camera allows you to take photos infront of you and you can flip it so it takes one of you where you can still see the screen. 'face time' app allows you to have a video call with other 'face time' users.
The physical features of the ipod are very much the same as other ipod touches however the lock button and the volume buttons are slightly more to the back and not directly on the side of the ipod, this causes no problems and makes them less easy to accidently press.
A new feature on this ipod is that you can double click the circle button and it will allow you to minimize apps rather than exit them, you can swap between around 6 apps at a time. This app list alters when you open new apps.
With having the two new apps, so slightly decreases the memory space that you get to use for your own music and other things. Not by much, but it decreases from the 3rd generation.
Overall I think the iPod touch 4th generation is a very good ipod and worth buying.

Firstly having an iPhone 4, an iPad and an 20" iMac you can see that I am a big fan of Apple products. So when my daughter asked for an iPod touch for her birthday - I had no hesitation about the possibility of getting one. Apple simply are the best - all the features you could possibly wish for - total entertainment in your hand - and now she can even call me using Facetime (Video Calling) wherever there is a WiFi connection! With far more applications available than Android (numerous ones free too) she keeps entertained & educated at the same time. Quality of music is crystal clear. And with it's HD screen Photograph's & Videos recorded on it are a pleasure to watch. Plus it always keeps up to date with the new technology that Apple give periodically by their updates via iTunes. I would definately recommend this little beauty to anyone, any age - keep up the excellent work Apple & thanks.