Apple iPod touch (2nd Gen) 3.5" Black 8GB MP3 / MP4 Player MB528LL/A

Pros: The iPod touch features an innovative Operating System far ahead of any other mobile device on the market, making room for hundreds and thousands of apps, kind of like a mini-mini-mac with amazing capabilities and adaptations. Some of the greatest features of the iPod touch are its simple interface, the built-in speaker and volume controls, and WiFi.

The way iPod Touch works with the internet, you'd never suspect it to be anything other than the iPhone 3G itself-- but it isn't, it's the iPod touch, the premier music-internet-email-youtube-instant messaging-planner-clock device ever to fit in the palm of your hand.

Cons: The entire device has a glossy laminate, both on the metal and the screen, attracting fingerprints and gook, for lack of a better term. The metal back of the iPod is prone to superficial scratches and flaws, nothing too serious, but it somewhat distorts the original appearance of the iPod Touch.

Overall Review: The rubber protecting the wire of the headphones dislocated from the headphone jack within the first 4 days of ownership, and wires began to show; but luckily, I called Apple, and they replaced the headphones within 4 minutes.

On another note, NewEgg's dedication to expeditious shipping is infallible, and I received my order very quickly.

Kudos to NewEgg.com!

Pros: Sharp looking, lots of features, good balance of size vs. usability, lots of applications available, strong wi-fi, effortless replacement due to device self-destructing. See other thoughts.

Cons: Price, Build quality, touch screen responsiveness, bare bones package, ITunes garbage-ware, abysmal internal speaker, "advanced" settings dumbed down to near imbecile level, horrendous proprietary data/power connection, poorly balanced weight and rear-case shape makes it feel top heavy. Apple stores are possibly the most uncomfortable, inhospitable and irritating stores in existence. It's like being trapped in the ball-pit at a Chuck-E-Cheese with thirty lobotimized ADHD patients. Apple fanatics are akin to zealots and that is never a good thing. See other thoughts.

Overall Review: This was a gift for my girlfriend. She loves it and uses it constantly. It is definitely useful to her and overall its design is fairly good. However, build quality leaves something to be desired- the earpiece jack and power/data port both feel fragile. The device I originally purchased decided to implode during a required firmware update. Fortunately Apple's service exceeds the reliability of its products and we were given a replacement at no cost. No explanation was given as to what caused the malfunction, though. Based on several forums around the world, it seems the late January/Early February firmware bricked thousands of units. When I use it, I find that the touch screen doesn't respond well and constantly misinterprets my touches. Maybe it's my large fingers; I don't know. I find it to be a gimmicky device, but that's because I have no need for it. If you like trendy, overpriced toys or receive one as a gift, you may enjoy it.