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Cons of ipod touch?
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ljp920
24-02-2009
Im gonna get one next week

seems good from what ive seen

any bad things about it though that i should know?

would be appreciated thankyou
Fromez
24-02-2009
To be honest it doesn't really have any. Safari used to crash a lot on it, but they *seem* to have fixed that now. I've had my touch (and Zune 80) for a year now and they're both acting like new, very impressed.

The only con is iTunes. As a media player I've always hated it, though it's got a bit better since they started organising tracks in terms of albums like Windows Media Player.

Warning - if you're like me, you'll get addicted to the apps you can add to it, just don't spend too much on light apps that aren't worth the money. There's some very good games out there though for a lot cheaper than buying Nintendo cartridges etc.
Scottish_girl
24-02-2009
The only con is the battery life If you use it for a long time isn't great. Other than that it's pretty good I'm using mine at the moment
sancheeez
25-02-2009
Battery life for video is poor.

Lack of DivX/Xvid support.

No support for mass storage device style drag and drop restricts is portability.

No mains charger included in the box.

And do you still have to use the stupidly expensive Apple cable to connect it to your TV or do cheaper third party cables now work? (Oh, and either way, you have to buy it separately .... you don't get one with the unit)
Scrolllock
25-02-2009
Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“Battery life for video is poor.”

It is fairly accurately quoted on the Apple site and for its size it does just fine. What are you expecting in that size?

Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“Lack of DivX/Xvid support.”

Lets be realistic, it's a very niche capability.

Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“No support for mass storage device style drag and drop restricts is portability.”

If you really want "portability" you would not be using an iPod or any other mp3 player as a mass storage device. A thumb drive would be the obvious answer.

Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“No mains charger included in the box.”

So? Buy one. It's not like they are expensive. Many devices today do not come with cords or accessories.

Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“And do you still have to use the stupidly expensive Apple cable to connect it to your TV or do cheaper third party cables now work? (Oh, and either way, you have to buy it separately .... you don't get one with the unit)”

See above.
sancheeez
25-02-2009
Originally Posted by Scrolllock:
“It is fairly accurately quoted on the Apple site and for its size it does just fine. What are you expecting in that size?”

I get 10 hours from my Cowon A2, which has been around longer than the touch. I wouldn't want to go backwards. I suppose you could argue it's a bigger device but it's the same size as the Archos 6 series and it also has far better batterly life than those so it's obviously doing something right.

Also, user feedback on sites like macroumers seems to be more in line with the batter life being over-quoted ... which happens with most companies.

Originally Posted by Scrolllock:
“Lets be realistic, it's a very niche capability.”

I wouldn't say so.

If it's so niche, why do most DVD players include it these days?

Originally Posted by Scrolllock:
“If you really want "portability" you would not be using an iPod or any other mp3 player as a mass storage device. A thumb drive would be the obvious answer.”

My issue is more that I can't just plug it into any old PC I feel like, drop some content on, and then play it.

Mind you, at least with the classic style iPod, you could use it as a storage device, even if you couldn't actually play any content applied this way. Not ideal - useless to me - but better than nothing. Would I be right in thinking the Touch doesn't allow this mode?

Originally Posted by Scrolllock:
“So? Buy one. It's not like they are expensive. Many devices today do not come with cords or accessories.”

Why should I have to? Apple used to include a mains plug/adapter ..... not any more though. I got all the cables, plugs, adapters, straps and carry cases I could need in the box with my A2. I'd rather get them than not ..... wouldn't you?

Many devices may not comes with all the wires and cables you need (Apple and Archos spring to mind) but there are plenty that do. My latest phone did (Nokia in case you're interested) ..... for instance.

Originally Posted by Scrolllock:
“See above.”

You didn't answer the question.

Do you *have* to use the Apple one or do third party ones work (again, the one I use with my A2 came with the device but a generic cable would also work)?

As for cheap, having just looked at the Apple store, they want £28 each for the component or composite cables! In book, a cable like that costs a fiver tops ..... it's just a generic AV cable for gods sake! This is assuming you get the dock with the device, if you don't .... add that to the shopping list as well!

I should add, Apple are possibly not even the worst for this sort of thing (although they're pretty bad). Archos have gone down this route in recent years as well. If you buy a 6 series Archos PMP, you need to spend a fortune on accessories and plug-ins to get the most out of it.

The OP wanted "Cons of the iPod Touch".

For me all the above are cons. Maybe not to you, but to me they are.

I answered the question the thread was raised for. You simply came in and started arguing with the points I made!

You are chocolate boy Mk.2 !!!

If the iPod touch had 10+ hours battery life for video, DivX support and total freedom of movement between devices with no requirement for syncing software, I'd buy one like a shot! (I could forgive the lack of included cabling if the other three points didn't exist)

But it doesn't. So I didn't.

It's quite simple really.

People want devices for different reasons and purposes. Therefore some devices will suit some people better than others. Good as the iPod Touch is, it doesn't suit everyone.
xoxoxo
25-02-2009
im also thinking of getting one but theres just one thing i needed to know

it says

8GB
1,750 songs
10 hours of video

does this mean 1,750 songs 0r 10 hours of video

OR

1,750 songs and 10 hours of video?
Fromez
25-02-2009
1,750 songs or 10 hours of video. Or a mixture of the two. But this doesn't take account of Apps.
xoxoxo
25-02-2009
ok thanks
sancheeez
25-02-2009
^^

And that also depends on the quality you encode your music and video at.

I think that amount assumes "roughly" 128kbps MP3 for music (or the equivalent in AAC format which would bump you up to 1750 as it takes up slightly less space. On a 4gb MP3 player, I can cram in about 800 MP3 files which would put me at 1600 on an 8gb player).

10 hours video in 8gb would be reasonable quality though.
Birdster
25-02-2009
I really love my ipod touch! I wonder now how I ever manged without one. I'd recommend one for sure!
Matt-08
25-02-2009
Sound quality is nowhere near as good as my Sony NWZ-A815 and theres no Custom EQ. Easily scratched back could be considered a con as well.
simonb65
25-02-2009
No custom graphic equalizer is a bit of a pain.

Apart from that, I absolutely love it. My nephew bought a nano a couple of months back, I kept telling him to go the extra bit for the touch. I think he regrets it now.
Scrolllock
26-02-2009
Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“I get 10 hours from my Cowon A2, which has been around longer than the touch. I wouldn't want to go backwards. I suppose you could argue it's a bigger device but it's the same size as the Archos 6 series and it also has far better batterly life than those so it's obviously doing something right.”

There you go. You said it yourself. It's a "bigger device."

And the comparison was against the iPod.

Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“Also, user feedback on sites like macroumers seems to be more in line with the batter life being over-quoted ... which happens with most companies.”

Without going back to read what I wrote I believe I said fairly accurate and my iPods have been.

Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“I wouldn't say so.”

You are obviously a big fan of it so that isn't surprising.

Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“If it's so niche, why do most DVD players include it these days?”

Many DVD players also have capabilities for different formats and features that few people ever use.

Viewed objectively, it is a niche format. Apple recognises that.

Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“My issue is more that I can't just plug it into any old PC I feel like, drop some content on, and then play it.”

That should only concern people that wish to deal in the illegal sharing of music.

Other than for music, and as I said, if you want compact mass storage then an MP3 player should be your last choice.

Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“Mind you, at least with the classic style iPod, you could use it as a storage device, even if you couldn't actually play any content applied this way. Not ideal - useless to me - but better than nothing. Would I be right in thinking the Touch doesn't allow this mode?”

As I already said why would you want to use an mp3 player as a mass storage device when inexpensive and much smaller thumb drives are a much better option?

Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“Why should I have to? Apple used to include a mains plug/adapter ..... not any more though. I got all the cables, plugs, adapters, straps and carry cases I could need in the box with my A2. I'd rather get them than not ..... wouldn't you?”

So they "used to," but now they don't. Big deal. Their devices also continue to get cheaper per gig than the previous generations. If you don't want to buy a product because it doesn't come with an inexpensive mains charger then don't. That's a rather silly reason not to though.

Apple also realises most people do not charge through a mains charger. If you care about the environment then that's a good reason not to include them.

Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“Many devices may not comes with all the wires and cables you need (Apple and Archos spring to mind) but there are plenty that do. My latest phone did (Nokia in case you're interested) ..... for instance.”

No, I am not really interested only because when most people buy an iPod they get everything they are typically going to need. I also wouldn't base my purchasing or opinion on such a device on whether it comes with inexpensive and little used accessories, as in the case of a mains charger with an mp3 player.

Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“You didn't answer the question.”

If I recall correctly, I only posted once in this thread so no one could have posed a question to me.

What is your question?

Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“Do you *have* to use the Apple one or do third party ones work (again, the one I use with my A2 came with the device but a generic cable would also work)?

As for cheap, having just looked at the Apple store, they want £28 each for the component or composite cables! In book, a cable like that costs a fiver tops ..... it's just a generic AV cable for gods sake! This is assuming you get the dock with the device, if you don't .... add that to the shopping list as well!”

Here's one for $15.

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.d...013~r.51692638

Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“I should add, Apple are possibly not even the worst for this sort of thing (although they're pretty bad). Archos have gone down this route in recent years as well. If you buy a 6 series Archos PMP, you need to spend a fortune on accessories and plug-ins to get the most out of it.

The OP wanted "Cons of the iPod Touch".

For me all the above are cons. Maybe not to you, but to me they are.”

For most people, and those objective, they would not be cons. That's my point.

Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“I answered the question the thread was raised for. You simply came in and started arguing with the points I made!”

I'm simply injecting reality, objectivity and common sense so the OP is not misled.

Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“If the iPod touch had 10+ hours battery life for video, DivX support and total freedom of movement between devices with no requirement for syncing software, I'd buy one like a shot! (I could forgive the lack of included cabling if the other three points didn't exist)

But it doesn't. So I didn't.

It's quite simple really.”

Not when you start comparing a "bigger" device to a smaller device and expect the smaller one to have the same battery life. Other capabilities you mention are niche requirements or Apple would not have been as successful as they still are.

Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“People want devices for different reasons and purposes. Therefore some devices will suit some people better than others. Good as the iPod Touch is, it doesn't suit everyone.”

It suits the vast majority of users out there otherwise they would not be so successful. Using that kind of logic would clearly point out that your requirements are niche. See?
sancheeez
26-02-2009
Originally Posted by Scrolllock:
“No, I am not really interested only because when most people buy an iPod they get everything they are typically going to need.”

So what do you charge your Touch with when you go on holiday?

And you can't keep using 'niche' like it negates an arugment! Maybe the OP has some of what you (or rather, what Apple tells you) are "niche" requirements. DivX niche ..... lol ..... talk pish. Just about everyone I know uses it, thats why they make so many DVD players that support it!

I really can't be bothered doing another big multi-parter, it's pretty pointless. I made my points. You simply can't accept that anything made by Apple is less than perfect, that much is clear.

As I said, you are chocolate boy mk.2.

Go buy a Macbook Wheel .....
Fromez
26-02-2009
Why is there a big argument over the iPod touch? You're arguing over silly points now, e.g. why would someone want to use it as a storage device - well of course you'd want to, it would save remembering to carry flash drives around. And being able to transfer content from other computers doesn't necessarily mean piracy at all. As a content creator myself, I'd find it very useful to use it as a storage device. Anyone who's arguing against this feature has blinkers on their eyes.

Sancheez's comments about compatibility are true, of course, but when it comes to the touch I'd expect someone to buy it for all of its features, which is why I didn't mention the cons in comparison to other music players. Because the touch is a bit more than that. If the OP is only getting it for music and video then I would list far better players, but I don't think playing Divx files would be someone's priority when wondering whether to buy the touch or not.

I think also the lack of charger is moot these days - most players I come across only have the USB cable; in fact, the only mp3 player with charger I've come across has been my 2004 iPod photo, and I still use the charger of that for my iPod touch.

But I reiterate, I think the cons should be looked at in regard to the touch itself and its usability, not in terms of comparisons to other mp3/video players. If you want to play that game I could say the A2's cons are that it doesn't have wifi, Apps, games and online music purchasing.
Birdster
26-02-2009
Originally Posted by Fromez:
“Why is there a big argument over the iPod touch? You're arguing over silly points now, e.g. why would someone want to use it as a storage device - well of course you'd want to, it would save remembering to carry flash drives around. And being able to transfer content from other computers doesn't necessarily mean piracy at all. As a content creator myself, I'd find it very useful to use it as a storage device. Anyone who's arguing against this feature has blinkers on their eyes.

Sancheez's comments about compatibility are true, of course, but when it comes to the touch I'd expect someone to buy it for all of its features, which is why I didn't mention the cons in comparison to other music players. Because the touch is a bit more than that. If the OP is only getting it for music and video then I would list far better players, but I don't think playing Divx files would be someone's priority when wondering whether to buy the touch or not.

I think also the lack of charger is moot these days - most players I come across only have the USB cable; in fact, the only mp3 player with charger I've come across has been my 2004 iPod photo, and I still use the charger of that for my iPod touch.

But I reiterate, I think the cons should be looked at in regard to the touch itself and its usability, not in terms of comparisons to other mp3/video players. If you want to play that game I could say the A2's cons are that it doesn't have wifi, Apps, games and online music purchasing.”

Some people just like to argue. They'll argue over owt
sancheeez
26-02-2009
Originally Posted by Fromez:
“I could say the A2's cons are that it doesn't have wifi, Apps, games and online music purchasing.”

Indeed.

And I see nothing wrong with pointing that out.

Features, size, battery life, format compatibility, wires/chargers included .... they're all part of the package aren't they.

It's just some people can't see that. Scrolllock is a perfect example. Coming out with crap but "Oh, it's a bigger device" .... pish! It's a pro for the Touch that it's smaller and slimmer, but a con that you pay for that in battery life! (and also screen size as the screen on the A2 is slightly bigger) If you use the "Oh, it's slightly bigger" argument then the only device you can ever compare it to is one of exactly the same dimensions. What a load of nonsense. At the end of the day, they are both PMP's. Their size may be a bit different, their features may be a bit different, one is better than the other in certain areas and vice versa, but they are essentially the same general type of device. As is the Archos 6 series, Iubi Blue, Creative Vision:W etc etc .....

The OP asked for cons. I pointed out what I percieve as cons against the device (well, they stopped me buying it!).

I then got a fanboy reply trying to imply that none of these were actually cons. Clearly not in his eyes anyway.

Some people see iTunes as a con .... I now await the reply telling me "Don't be stupid, it's the greatest thing since sliced bread .... or perhaps the wheel!".

Originally Posted by Fromez:
“And being able to transfer content from other computers doesn't necessarily mean piracy at all. As a content creator myself, I'd find it very useful to use it as a storage device. Anyone who's arguing against this feature has blinkers on their eyes.”

Yup. And you don't have to look far to find them. (About two post above yours I reckon)

Originally Posted by Birdster:
“Some people just like to argue. They'll argue over owt ”

Yup. Can't argue with that ..... much as I'd like to.

I even said further up:

Quote:
“Good as the iPod Touch is, it doesn't suit everyone.”

... and I stand by that.

It's some peoples inability to percieve some things as anything less than perfect just because they like it that irritates me.

(PS .... Fromez ..... the A2 is several years old now. They've since replaced it with several models which handle stuff like wifi, touch screen, internet etc etc and are probably a better comparison to the Touch ... I merely use the A2 as an example as it's the PMP I happen to own. The Touch didn't exist when I bought it. If you're curious, have a look at the S9. It's probably the closest thing Cowon do to the Touch. Not as slick on the interface front but the screen and sound quality are apparently stunning ... best on the market by all accounts.)

Oh, and before I go .... heres another one for you Mr Scrolllock:

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/s...d.php?t=995708

YOU CAN'T MOVE YOUR OWN BLOODY FILES BACK THE WAY CAN YOU. CON! CON! CON!

(Well, not without resorting to third party "unofficial" solutions anyway)
Hutchy_Muse
26-02-2009
The battery life isn't the best tbh, my Touch lives in my USB cable!
Birdster
26-02-2009
Quote:
“Originally Posted by Birdster
Some people just like to argue. They'll argue over owt

Yup. Can't argue with that ..... much as I'd like to.”

Oh you bugger
hopeandfaith06
26-02-2009
My sister has an Ipod Touch and i know she likes it. I haven't used it that much, and she is Australia now so i can't use it.

I recently bought an Archos 5. Its a bit bigger than the Touch but the screen is just amazing quality, touch screen, decent sound with the built in speaker. WiFi, supports most (if not all video formats) (though you will need to buy some seperate plug-ins for video formats like MPEG etc, but these can be found cheap on ebay).
Brilliant internet use. It shows full webpages rather than mobile sites (don't know how the Touch does it) you can play games on it, connect it to your tv, watch tv on the device.

It is extremely easy to add files to it as well, as simple as drag and drop. No annoying itunes. My device is the smallest with a 60GB hard drive, the 5 can also come with a 120GB or a 250GB HDD so they will all hold loads of files.

You can buy a few films on it, this is a poor side though, not many films available. But i'm sure this will get better.

Anyway, as i'm sure you can tell, i love my Archos 5, but i think most people will still go for the Ipod Touch.
kyussmondo
27-02-2009
One other con. Remember to factor in the update costs. Apple normally charge for firmware updates on the iPod Touch whereas we get them free on the iPhone.

I have the iPhone and it is essentially an iPod Touch with a phone and I am very happy. The one thing I don't like about the iPod Touch is that chrome back. I never missed that from the original iPod as it scratches very easily.
Scrolllock
27-02-2009
Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“So what do you charge your Touch with when you go on holiday?”

Typically, I charge my iPod through my laptop or car. I also have a mains charger that cost a few dollars. Here's one that costs one dollar.

http://www.hdaccessory.com/servlet/t...d-touch/Detail

Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“And you can't keep using 'niche' like it negates an arugment!”

Yes, for your arguments that assume that features you appreciate or require are the ones most other people will.

Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“Maybe the OP has some of what you (or rather, what Apple tells you)”

Such a remark shows your bias against Apple and gets in the way of you being objective.

Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“are "niche" requirements. DivX niche ..... lol ..... talk pish. Just about everyone I know uses it, thats why they make so many DVD players that support it!”

I am not assuming whether the OP needs DivX support or not, I am simply providing some important facts to balance or counter what I know to be misinformation.

Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“I really can't be bothered doing another big multi-parter, it's pretty pointless. I made my points. You simply can't accept that anything made by Apple is less than perfect, that much is clear.”

I own products from many different companies and couldn't care less who makes them so long as they are well designed, easy to use and reliable. Those are the reasons why I own an iPod. Those are the reasons why Apple's iPods completely dominate the mp3 player market. The fact of the matter is, they make a fantastic product.

Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“As I said, you are chocolate boy mk.2.”

Apparently some kind of insult? Why?

Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“Go buy a Macbook Wheel .....”

?
frost
27-02-2009
Originally Posted by kyussmondo:
“One other con. Remember to factor in the update costs. Apple normally charge for firmware updates on the iPod Touch whereas we get them free on the iPhone.”

Are you sure? I have updated the software in my ipod touch though itunes a couple of times since I have had it and dont pay anything.
Scrolllock
27-02-2009
Originally Posted by Fromez:
“Why is there a big argument over the iPod touch? You're arguing over silly points now, e.g. why would someone want to use it as a storage device - well of course you'd want to, it would save remembering to carry flash drives around.”


Stick one on your key holder so it is always handy. That's why they are so small.

And if it is important enough to remember bringing your iPod than why would it be any less important to bring a tiny and unobtrusive thumb drive?

Originally Posted by Fromez:
“And being able to transfer content from other computers doesn't necessarily mean piracy at all. As a content creator myself, I'd find it very useful to use it as a storage device. Anyone who's arguing against this feature has blinkers on their eyes.”

I can drag and drop into itunes on my PC. The ones that complain about having to use itunes to do that and not simply being able to connect to any computer and transfer music are those that typically wish to illegally share music.

It's not a question of arguing against such a feature on the Touch, it is simply stating that there are much better options available, such as thumb drives. The exclusion of that feature on the Touch is meaningless when that is considered.

Originally Posted by Fromez:
“Sancheez's comments about compatibility are true, of course, but when it comes to the touch I'd expect someone to buy it for all of its features, which is why I didn't mention the cons in comparison to other music players. Because the touch is a bit more than that. If the OP is only getting it for music and video then I would list far better players, but I don't think playing Divx files would be someone's priority when wondering whether to buy the touch or not.”

No, his comments are misleading, at best.

You may list far better players but the reality of the situation is that there are no players out there that are "far better." Even the professional reviewers out there acknowledge that.

Originally Posted by Fromez:
“I think also the lack of charger is moot these days - most players I come across only have the USB cable; in fact, the only mp3 player with charger I've come across has been my 2004 iPod photo, and I still use the charger of that for my iPod touch.”

Another reason for Apple not to include them.

Originally Posted by Fromez:
“But I reiterate, I think the cons should be looked at in regard to the touch itself and its usability, not in terms of comparisons to other mp3/video players. If you want to play that game I could say the A2's cons are that it doesn't have wifi, Apps, games and online music purchasing.”

There is nothing wrong in comparing the different players as I am pretty sure the OP has been considering other players, hence the subject of the thread. It only becomes a problem when misinformation creeps into the discussion.
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