The iPod Touch 4th Generation is truly remarkable

In my original review, I focused on whether a person can get by using the apple 8gb ipod touch 4^th generation device in lieu of a more expensive version with a larger memory. My conclusion was, and still is, a resounding YES, however there is one aspect, that applies to ALL the iPod Touch 4th generation editions (8GB, 32GB, and 64GB), that I think is MUCH more important than storage space alone:

The quality of the screen display.

Basically, the new apple ipod touch4th generation has near iPad screen quality, but in a 3.5" device. (960x640 resolution at 326 pixels per inch, vs. 1024x768 resolution at 132 pixels per inch).

That means you can get almost iPad quality video in a 3.6 ounce device vs. a 24 ounce device. For a device that fits in a shirt pocket vs. a device you need a carry bag for; in a device you can hold in the palm of your hand vs. a device that tires your arms.

This apple ipod touch 4th gen is VERY practical for reading popular newspaper articles such as USA Today or the New York Times in their reader applications, optimized for this size display (crisp, large type). It is VERY practical for browsing the standard on-line editions of most newspapers (tap once to fit a column to the screen with readable type). It is GREAT for YouTube since the YouTube app included with the device is optimized to deliver high definition content. Also, it’s GREAT with Netflix and Hulu Plus and it works GREAT with gmail and for Facebook as well.

Great, for me, for online banking and stock research/trading.

Great for running tech websites in their "mobile" formats.

Works decent with Yahoo; I don't like Yahoo Mobile right now or their regular online version; using the already installed Safari browser, it just doesn't scale up and down quite as nicely as the online NYTimes does.

One more thing, the device can store an adequate amount of your own music collection (or stream Slacker or Pandora, customized for you, in free or paid versions) and download iTunes video content for later consumption, or you can move your own DVD content to the device using simple free conversion programs.

Just last year I went on vacation with my iPod Touch 3 ^rd generation, as a backup to my netbook. I found myself easily reading email, but I preferred my netbook for replies. I didn't read any books with the iPod touch until earlier this year, and was surprised by how well book reading worked. I was also able to Skype home with no problems what so ever..

When the iPod Touch 4th generation came out, I got it as a matter of reflex, justifying the purchase based on the built in camera and microphone (which means I no longer have to use "inline mics" with ear buds any more). But in reality, the sharpness of the screen is MUCH more impressive than I could have ever imagined. I have now switched from reading print to 100% e-reading simply based on the performance of this device. On the road, my iPod has largely replaced my netbook.

But, now at home I find myself ALSO using this new iPod touch 4^th generation a LOT. I use it in the morning to check emails and to check NYTimes headlines before even rolling out of bed. I use it whenever I want to check my email or Facebook throughout the remainder of the day, without having to fire up my computer or laptop. I really love using it in bed to read at night.

In short, this iPod Touch 4^th Generation is a working computer.