Initially launched back in September 2007 and upgraded this year to its second version, the iPod touch represents the epitome of Apple's expertise in the field of portable multimedia players. It's the first player of this type to feature a touchscreen, not to mention several other features which really differentiate it from just about all of the other similar products in Apple's line-up, or most other manufacturer's offerings, for that matter.

As the name says it, the main selling point of the touch is represented by its very innovative control system, namely by its 3.5-inch Multi-Touch TFT LCD display, which provides a 480x320 pixels resolution, as well as the possibility of accessing each of the device's functions and features.

The device also sports a very attractive design (very similar to its close sibling, the iPhone), featuring a thin, contoured enclosure made of polished stainless steel, with the (physical) volume controls being placed on the device's left side, thus providing easy access to the respective functions. Moreover, the portable player has also been equipped with an accelerometer and tilt sensor, which help it to automatically detect its position and adjust the display orientation accordingly.

Another major innovation offered by the touch model is the fact that it sport a built-in WiFi module (802.11b/g), which allows it to easily connect to a wireless network or hotspot. Plus, since it comes pre-loaded with the Safari browser, users will be able to easily browse the Internet and also access the iTunes music store for downloading their favorite music even in the absence of a computer.

Another extra is represented by the fact that the iPod touch offers built-in wireless support for Nike + iPod, since all the users will ever have to do is simply insert a Nike + iPod sensor into their shoe and start running.

Now, after taking a brief look at the features the touch has to offer, let's talk about some of its most important specs. First of all, it's important to mention that the player is available in three storage versions, namely 8 GB, 16 GB and 32 GB, all of which are provided by flash modules. Additionally, the device sports a pretty serious battery, namely a non-removable Li-Ion model which provides up to 36 hours of continuous music playback and up to 6 hours of video playback after just 4 hours of charging.

Compatibility-wise, the touch works with pretty much the same types of files as most of the other video-capable players from Apple, with the main difference that this device also provides support for 480p and 576p component TV out via an additional dock.

Depending on the specific storage capacity, Apple's iPod touch sells for 299 up to 399 US dollars, for which the users will get, beside the device itself, a pair of earphones, an USB 2.0 cable, a dock adapter, a polishing cloth and a Quick Start guide.