I've got a 2 1/2 year old 60GB iPod Photo that I've wanted to replace for some time now. Adding video playback to my iPod's bag of tricks has been on my wish list for months. Many, many months. The only thing that has held me back was the small screen of the video capable iPods. I kept telling myself, "Oh, just wait. Apple will create something fantastic with the next version." So I waited.
Then the iPhone came out and I just about burst with excitement. However, I don't use or even like cellphones, so why would I want to pay $60 a month for a large touch screen iPod? So once again, I waited.
Yesterday, my waiting paid off ... sort of. The new iPod Touch fulfills almost all of my requirements: large screen, longer battery life, video playback. And the extra perks aren't too shabby either: touch screen, wifi and web browsing. [Cue the needle scratching sound.] But the iPod touch tops out at 16GB of storage.
One thing I've come to love about my 60GB iPod Photo is that I can carry my entire music and podcast collection with me at all times. If I get in the mood to rock out to Led Zepplin's "When the Levy Breaks," I can rock on out. With only 16GB of space on the iPod Touch, those days are over.
Decision time. iPod Touch or iPod Classic? Or do I wait again in the hopes of a larger capacity iPod Touch?
Well, last night I pre-ordered a 16GB iPod Touch and here's my rationale. The Apple TV has prepared me for this moment. With only 40GB of space, I have to be selective about what I put on my Apple TV. The concept of smart playlists and filtering what is synced has been growing on me. Using the iPod Touch isn't going to be much different.
Second, I'm going to keep my iPod Photo for those times that I want my entire collection handy. Let's say I'm going on a long road trip, then the iPod Photo will be dusted off and tossed into the car.
This isn't the perfect solution, and I know I'm not alone in my disappointment, but this solution could work just fine for me. I'm looking forward to trying the iPod Touch for day to day use and reserving the Photo for longer excursions. Who knows, maybe I'll upgrade the Photo to an iPod Classic at some point in the future.
Yes, I know ... the Toyman has a sickness. So sue me.
