Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Ipod Touch 1st Gen or 2nd Gen?

Dec 26, 2008 12:27AM PST

I received the Ipod Touch 16gb 1st Gen for Christmas...I'm debating on swapping it out for the 16gb 2nd Gen, but I don't know if anybody here thinks the 1st Gen is just as good design wise(with the software upgrade) as the 2nd Gen is...any thoughts and opinions will be greatly appreciated!

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
I've seen thiss before.
Dec 26, 2008 12:36AM PST

The moment the owner hears about the 3rd gen they freeze up and can't decide to wait or not.

The iTouch is a great product (if you use such a thing.) If you must wait, wait for the 4th gen.
Bob

- Collapse -
So are you saying...
Dec 26, 2008 12:59AM PST

So are you saying I should just keep the 1st Gen as it's fine...and the speaker, Nike +, and curved design with added volume control isn't worth the extra $70 for the 2nd Gen? The Ipod was a Christmas gift and I have the receipt attached to the gift, so I can exchange and upgrade it if I would like to...I just never thought I would ever own an Ipod, so now I'm trying to decide what to do and get people's opinions that own them.

- Collapse -
Having played with both.
Dec 26, 2008 1:14AM PST

But owning neither, the decision process is pretty much up to the owner. Some must have the latest. The new model does give you a bit more battery run time and if you think the curve is a feature (I didn't) then all that is left is to place the 70 bucks down and decide.

In short, I wouldn't but then again I still have my HP iPod 20GB with the blue/white display.
Bob

- Collapse -
Processor
Dec 26, 2008 1:21AM PST

I've been reading other articles and pages...I found one that says they think the processor is faster in the 2nd Gen Ipod Touch. That could be a factor to consider as well...still researching and getting opinions though.

- Collapse -
For what I use the iPod for...
Dec 26, 2008 1:34AM PST

The CPU that's in there is doing fine. Why would I need more?

-> I constantly forget these things can be status symbols. I apologize for even bringing that up.
Bob

- Collapse -
I own both
Dec 26, 2008 4:24AM PST

I don't think it would hurt you to swap your 1G to the 2G, provided that you were planning on upgrading to the 2.2 software (and paying $10 for it) anytime soon so that you can get applications. If you weren't, then sticking with the 1G is fine. I actually did pay for the upgraded software for my 1G.

The speaker on the 2G isn't all that great. It is much louder on the iPhone. I've also heard louder on other players that have built-in speakers. For me, however, it is a non-issue as a carry a small portable speaker with me (Altec Lansing Orbit). I do like the addition of Nike+. I use it when my Garmin Forerunner can't pick up a satellite. It's not as accurate as a GPS, but you can calibrate it so that it comes pretty close.

If you're going to get docking type accessories for it that use the proprietary port (the 30 pin dock connector), make sure that it specifically works for the 2G. Older accessories should work, but you'll possibly lose charging capability. For example I have a home clock radio and an fm transmitter dock for my car. They both work for the 1G Touch, with full functionality - plays and charges. However, they only work for playing the 2G. They won't charge it.

- Collapse -
just to clarify...
Dec 26, 2008 4:27AM PST

I should have previewed my post more carefully.

What I meant by that first paragraph is that if you don't really care about getting applications, then the 1G is fine. You could always pay $10 for the software upgrade later, but if you really want the upgrade then go ahead and swap it for the 2G.