iPod touch How thin is too thin??

[GekiRed]

He has hampered my enjoyment of the product by being obsessed with thinness, which has reduced component quality (camera and battery, to name just two). JUST BECAUSE I BOUGHT IT DOESN'T MEAN IT COULDN'T HAVE BEEN A SUPERIOR PRODUCT, had Jobs not been in charge.

We ALL buy things that aren't EXACTLY what we want--we buy the CLOSEST thing. That is a fact of life. and it's a fact of life that Jobs is controlling the look, function, and features of Apple's product lines. that control has led to PLENTY of CONTROVERSIAL design decisions.

It's true. dave1812dave has a very valid point, regardless of what the fanboys/girls/Jobs worshippers say.

I bought an iPod Touch not because of its multimedia capabilities (even though it's a bonus), I bought it for its Apps capabilities when it comes to educational Apps.

TBH, if Herr Jobs hadn't been in charge in Apple right now, what's the odds we could have products that's even better than they are now?

At the end of the day, the only thing Herr Jobs is doing is leading Apple down the path of destruction with his decisions which get crazier and crazier by the day.

What's next, a iPod Touch that's only powered by solar power? I can tell you that wouldn't go down well in Alaska!

 

[moderately]

This talk of focus groups is really depressing to me. Focus groups easily lead to unoriginal and boring designs. The desire to be all things to all people is a ready trap. The dreck that is available to us everywhere from Wallmart to broadcast TV is an example of this.

I want somebody with vision designing the things I have around me. This means that, at times, some of those things are going to suit somebody else's vision better than mine . I think Apple's success has been that this strong vision has suited so many people (mostly). I think the iPhone 4 is ugly but holding it in my hand, using it, it is clear that it was created with inspiration and vision. Job's point of view as to what this thing is and does radiates off of it. It is not some cobbled together generic tool. So I accept the good with the bad.

 

[BaldiMac]

TBH, if Herr Jobs hadn't been in charge in Apple right now, what's the odds we could have products that's even better than they are now?

Well, we have hundreds of examples of computers and mobile devices made by companies without Jobs in charge, so your odds are not very good.

 

[sracer]

Finally picked up a 64GB iPod Touch last night. All I have to say at this point about it is that those who are complaining about it being too thin are engaging in hyperbole. I have my 8GB sitting right next to it and the 64GB is only slightly thinner. What is more noticeable is the more severe angle that the body curves on the edges. That results in more of the headphone jack and dock connector being exposed.

 

[dave1812dave]

Finally picked up a 64GB iPod Touch last night. All I have to say at this point about it is that those who are complaining about it being too thin are engaging in hyperbole. I have my 8GB sitting right next to it and the 64GB is only slightly thinner. What is more noticeable is the more severe angle that the body curves on the edges. That results in more of the headphone jack and dock connector being exposed.

First, you complain about hyperbole, and then INACCURATELY claim that the 4G is "only slightly thinner". Well, I've got NEWS FOR YOU--I had to wait until vendors started shipping NEW CASES for the 4G because NONE of my various cases for my 2G will work with the 4G. l I've got a leather Skech case, as well as silicone cases. I can't even BEGIN to use them with the 4G.

I figure it's just the typical corporate greed at work here--make things different enough that accessories have to be replaced. Think back to when Apple changed the charging method for ipods (from firewire to USB-only). That rendered quite a few docks and other charging devices USELESS with the 2nd gen touch, for example.

 

[burgundyyears]

Finally picked up a 64GB iPod Touch last night. All I have to say at this point about it is that those who are complaining about it being too thin are engaging in hyperbole. I have my 8GB sitting right next to it and the 64GB is only slightly thinner. What is more noticeable is the more severe angle that the body curves on the edges. That results in more of the headphone jack and dock connector being exposed.

But why can't I use my original iPod firewire cable to load songs on it? And why won't 1st gen iPod docks work with it? Why won't iTunes 2.0 sync with it? And where's the damn floppy drive on this thing?

 

[skiltrip]

But why can't I use my original iPod firewire cable to load songs on it? And why won't 1st gen iPod docks work with it? Why won't iTunes 2.0 sync with it? And where's the damn floppy drive on this thing?

lol. It's not working on my Windows 3.1 box either. Heads will roll for this!

 

[sracer]

First, you complain about hyperbole, and then INACCURATELY claim that the 4G is "only slightly thinner". Well, I've got NEWS FOR YOU--I had to wait until vendors started shipping NEW CASES for the 4G because NONE of my various cases for my 2G will work with the 4G. l I've got a leather Skech case, as well as silicone cases. I can't even BEGIN to use them with the 4G.

I figure it's just the typical corporate greed at work here--make things different enough that accessories have to be replaced. Think back to when Apple changed the charging method for ipods (from firewire to USB-only). That rendered quite a few docks and other charging devices USELESS with the 2nd gen touch, for example.

I don't think that you understand what the word "hyperbole" means.

 

[BaldiMac]

First, you complain about hyperbole, and then INACCURATELY claim that the 4G is "only slightly thinner".

8.4mm to 7.1mm. 1.3mm is "only slightly thinner" to me.

Well, I've got NEWS FOR YOU--I had to wait until vendors started shipping NEW CASES for the 4G because NONE of my various cases for my 2G will work with the 4G. l I've got a leather Skech case, as well as silicone cases. I can't even BEGIN to use them with the 4G.

HOLY CRAP!!!!!!!! Are you SAYING that a two year old iPod touch is not exactly the same size as a new one?!!! The FREAKIN' NERVE of some companies!!

I figure it's just the typical corporate greed at work here--make things different enough that accessories have to be replaced. Think back to when Apple changed the charging method for ipods (from firewire to USB-only). That rendered quite a few docks and other charging devices USELESS with the 2nd gen touch, for example.

Seriously? $60+ billion per year in revenue, and you are calling conspiracy on accessory sales?

 

[dave1812dave]

8.4mm to 7.1mm. 1.3mm is "only slightly thinner" to me.



HOLY CRAP!!!!!!!! Are you SAYING that a two year old iPod touch is not exactly the same size as a new one?!!! The FREAKIN' NERVE of some companies!!



Seriously? $60+ billion per year in revenue, and you are calling conspiracy on accessory sales?

when cases from a previous model don't fit, the change in dimensions is more than trivial.

 

[al2o3cr]

If you think it's thin now, just wait - I bet the "ninja stars" that SJ supposedly had in Japan were actually revealed to be iPod Touch prototypes.

 

[peestandingup]

Of course. Most people would call it a design trade off. The iPod touch could have all the functionality of an DSLR camera if it was thick enough. Does that mean it was a "quality sacrifice" to not include all of that?

No, but you're kind of going off the deep end with comparisons of a DSLR to a gadget camera. Thats like saying I want my Ford Fiesta to not only be capable of keeping up with interstate traffic, but drag racing as well.

Again, no one expects a high end camera. Just something decent & not a total afterthought. Because of the thinness obsession, thats exactly what they gave us.

 

[BaldiMac]

when cases from a previous model don't fit, the change in dimensions is more than trivial.

What are you arguing? That a 1.3mm difference doesn't qualify as "slightly thinner"? That Apple shouldn't change the dimensions of their products?

 

[dave1812dave]

What are you arguing? That a 1.3mm difference doesn't qualify as "slightly thinner"? That Apple shouldn't change the dimensions of their products?

no. I was arguing that the difference is more than negligible (or to use your words, "slightly"). It is a material difference, if cases from the 2G don't fit it. If it was a fraction of a MM, then I could reuse the perfectly good cases that I invested in for the 2G. Apple didn't NEED to make the 4G so thin. period. it would have sold if the same dimension as the previous versions. and then we MIGHT have gotten a better touch out of the deal. (not to mention how awkward it is to hit the sleep button or vol buttons, now that they are located on a rearward sloping edge, not present in the previous gens)

 

[sracer]

no. I was arguing that the difference is more than negligible (or to use your words, "slightly"). It is a material difference, if cases from the 2G don't fit it. If it was a fraction of a MM, then I could reuse the perfectly good cases that I invested in for the 2G. Apple didn't NEED to make the 4G so thin. period. it would have sold if the same dimension as the previous versions. and then we MIGHT have gotten a better touch out of the deal. (not to mention how awkward it is to hit the sleep button or vol buttons, now that they are located on a rearward sloping edge, not present in the previous gens)

Nobody said that the difference was negligible. But the difference isn't the "OMG! this thing is so thin it is going to snap in half!" which is the sentiment embraced by most of the chuckleheads whining about it.

Looks like you have difficulty understanding what the word "negligible" means too.

 

[dave1812dave]

Nobody said that the difference was negligible. But the difference isn't the "OMG! this thing is so thin it is going to snap in half!" which is the sentiment embraced by most of the chuckleheads whining about it.

don't lump me in with ANYONE who claims it's so thin it is flimsy, ok? (and I am the one who said the difference in thickness isn't negligible--I didn't know I wasn't "allowed" to use words not already present in the discussion. sheesh!)

 

[peestandingup]

What are you arguing? That a 1.3mm difference doesn't qualify as "slightly thinner"? That Apple shouldn't change the dimensions of their products?

Normally it wouldn't be a big difference, but 1.3mm is a lot when you're talking about an object thats only 7-8mm to begin with & that's used in the hand.

 

[dave1812dave]

Normally it wouldn't be a big difference, but 1.3mm is a lot when you're talking about an object thats only 7-8mm to begin with & that's used in the hand.

exactly. I always felt the 2G was "too thin" for comfort. even with a silicone sleeve it's tres thin and hard to hold, compared to my easily-held BB. I wish at some point, Jobs would QUIT with the OBSESSION with thinness. It's getting old. I'd love to get a whole day of browsing out of the touch. lucky to go 5 hours with wifi.

 

[BaldiMac]

No, but you're kind of going off the deep end with comparisons of a DSLR to a gadget camera. Thats like saying I want my Ford Fiesta to not only be capable of keeping up with interstate traffic, but drag racing as well.

That's exactly my point. But you still seem to think that an iPod touch should have comparable features to an iPhone that costs twice as much.

Again, no one expects a high end camera. Just something decent & not a total afterthought.

We got an HD camera! In a music player! It was added for Facetime. The fact that it can take stills is an afterthought.

Yes, it could have been better. So could the camera in the iPhone. Almost any product could be better, if there weren't other considerations.

Because of the thinness obsession, thats exactly what they gave us.

Again, you've oversimplified. There are many reasons to include the features that they included. It's disingenuous to claim that Apple's design decisions are irrational when the are the most successful industrial design company in the consumer electronics industry.

 

[BaldiMac]

Normally it wouldn't be a big difference, but 1.3mm is a lot when you're talking about an object thats only 7-8mm to begin with & that's used in the hand.

Sure it's a 15% difference. Whether that's a big difference or not is a personal opinion. But I don't think it's "INACCURATE" to say that a 1.3mm difference is "only slightly thinner."

Apple didn't NEED to make the 4G so thin. period.

Okay? They didn't NEED to include a better camera. So? They don't agree with you about the value on thinness. They have a better track record than you in industrial design.

it would have sold if the same dimension as the previous versions. and then we MIGHT have gotten a better touch out of the deal.

Better cameras still would not have fit, so I'm not sure what you are getting at here.

 

[sracer]

don't lump me in with ANYONE who claims it's so thin it is flimsy, ok? (and I am the one who said the difference in thickness isn't negligible--I didn't know I wasn't "allowed" to use words not already present in the discussion. sheesh!)

You are allowed to use words that aren't currently being used in the discussion but you shouldn't use words that you don't know the meaning of.

 

[dave1812dave]

You are allowed to use words that aren't currently being used in the discussion but you shouldn't use words that you don't know the meaning of.

so now we are resorting to childish comments. (NOTE to self--ignore children and concentrate on meaningful rebuttals only)

 

[tubemonkey]

That's exactly my point. But you still seem to think that an iPod touch should have comparable features to an iPhone that costs twice as much.

It doesn't cost Apple twice as much to make; nor anywhere near that amount.

 

[peestandingup]

That's exactly my point. But you still seem to think that an iPod touch should have comparable features to an iPhone that costs twice as much.

We got an HD camera! In a music player! It was added for Facetime. The fact that it can take stills is an afterthought.

I never said that. Quote me where I said it should be an "iPhone quality" camera.

BTW, people need to quit saying the Touch is a "music player", its stupid. Thats like saying the iPad is a music player. Obviously, these products all follow the same basic principals & are closely CLOSLY related to each other. Hell, they basically all run the same exact OS, have the same logic board, processor, apps, etc.

So can we all cut the "but but, its just a music player!" garbage. Its obviously not just a music player. This isn't 2005 & we're all not retarded.

 

[BaldiMac]

It doesn't cost Apple twice as much to make; nor anywhere near that amount.

So? I never claimed that it did. What's your point?