Ok, I’m probably going to sound like a bit of a fanboy for writing this, but who cares. I love my new iPod Touch, particularly the new 2.0 OS. I personally didn’t need the phone and camera of the 3G iPhone. (already have a nice new cameraphone and I’m not a big fan of AT&T) I was buying a Macbook anyway and Apple was running their free iPod with a new Mac deal so it was a win-win. A lot of people seem to think it stinks that Apple is charging for the 2.0 OS, but it really is worth it. (C’mon, it’s only $10 people!) Before 2.0, you got the stock apps and that was it. The 2.0 OS brings features like WPA/WPA2 Enterprise support, the same ActiveSync integration as the iPhone and access to applications from the iPhone app store. In fact the only glaring item missing from the device is a tasks application that ties into ActiveSync. Hopefully that will be something that appears on the app store. (preferably for free…) The iPod is also an excellent social networking tool, perfect for twitter tweets and quick checks of facebook. There are even blogging clients for some of the more popular platforms like WordPress. Apple has worked hard to unify the look and feel of the included apps, but there are still inconsistencies. One thing I found strange is that some apps rotate, while others don’t. I personally prefer the landscape view because it’s easier to type accurately on the virtual keyboard. It’s not hard the other way, but I find it makes me type slower. Still the interface design is very good; exactly what I would expect from Apple. The iPod Touch is a great all around gadget; useful for both work and entertainment. While it’s certainly geared more towards entertainment, it is quite useful as well.
Category Archives: Tech
Tax free weekend
With the tax free weekend and a brand new Apple store less than a block from my office, I couldn’t resist. As it happens, my mother-in-law needed a new computer and wireless setup. Of course I couldn’t leave without a little something for myself. As a matter of fact I’m writing this entry on it right now! (an iPod touch) I’ve barely used it and I’m already in love with it! The only real downside is no wpa enterprise 🙁 Maybe there’s a hack?
update: If you need WPA Enterprise on your iPod touch, just pay the $10 to get the 2.0 version firmware. It’s got support for enterprise WPA/WPA2 encryption and loads of other features that will make the device more useful in the workplace. More on that later…
Apple store opens in downtown Charleston
Yesterday Apple opened their new store on King Street to a large crowd of people anxiously waiting to see the latest iPhone 3G. Of couse I had to stop by to check things out. The store, formerly Granny’s Goodies and briefly Cumberlands night club looks beautiful. On the inside it’s classic apple, sleek and modern. On the outside it still blends in with the rest of the historic buildings. The best thing about this store is that local Apple users finally have a place to take their Mac or pick up a new one. Before, the only choice was to have it shipped. Unfortunately for me, I didn’t get there in time to get a free T-shirt, but that’s ok. I got to play with the new 3G iPhone, an Apple TV and the MacBook Air. Nothing really new, but still fun to play with. That’s the only thing about IT, there’s rarely something computer related at a retail store that’s a big surprise.