If you're looking for an iPod that's double the fun but can do all the things that previous models have done, then the Apple iPod Touch 8 GB 2nd Generation should be your focus. And what's better? You can get it at a reduced price - less than $200. You'll get a sleek iPod that doubles up as a mini-PDA too. Let's look at it piece by piece:

Design

At the risk of over-emphasising just how sleek it is, let's talk a bit more about looks: next to the other iPod models, this one is by far a winner. Its much slimmer and the chrome rounded back will cup perfectly into your hand (great for gamers). What's more, where the other iPods had a black lip all around the screen, with this one, the black lip extends from the chrome back cover so that you have a beautiful shiny edge. Let's just say it's an iPod being soft, but with powerful-as-ever features.

It has been created to accommodate dedicated volume keys on the side panel as well, but they will not interfere with your hold - they fit snugly into the body of the iPod.

The antennae in the Apple iPod Touch 8 GB 2nd Generation is ellipse-shaped, not chunky and in the corner like on other iPods. The port for your headphones is also recessed, and will accept non-Apple headphones, definitely a plus should you lose or misplace the set that comes with it.

The screen? You get 3.5 inches of 320 by 480 pixels widescreen - definitely an excellent screen for gaming.

Features

You still get the Genius Mix application that has made iPods so popular; it will pre-arrange music play lists for you based on what it notices that you like a lot. It also comes loaded with Apple 2.1 software and you can get on directly to the App Store (older owners can only access these 2 pieces of software if they buy them from iTunes).

Compared with the original iPod, which had lots more black space and less icons, this one is different. You have lots of icons (App Store, Email, Weather, Notes, Maps, Stocks and more), and you can rearrange the order of the icons using a simple drag and drop. You can do the same to swap them around so that you get Quick Launch. With this one, Apple was definitely aiming for personalization which has been lacking in previous models.

The Apple iPod Touch 8 GB 2nd Generation is also special because you can buy a few additional pieces of software and hardware and extend its usage to beyond gaming, music and email. If you spend a few dollars on a Nike and pedometer, you'll get a shoe sensor. You can also get mic-enabled earphones that will. While some argue that this doesn't seem fair because Apple is making users spend more money on bits and bobs to make their Apple iPod Touch 8 GB 2nd Generation better, it can also be the reason why you can get this little iPod at such a great price - they give you what they could for less than $200 and then give you the choice to pick extras if you want. Performance

Although there is no touch screen, it's still a great interface, especially with Apps allowing you choose between so many applications. The audio, like all older iPods, can be said to be good 'not great, but Apple promises to fix this with coming models. Compared to other phones in its category though, it's still much better quality of sound.

The Maps feature is also a useful one for those who want to track their location, but you can switch it off if you feel you don't need it. This conserves battery life as well.

Conclusion

There were gripes about the original iPod - it was pricey and just didn't seem to perform very well for that price, even at 16 GB. The Apple iPod Touch 8 GB 2nd Generation seems to have addressed them, and done more because of the chic new design. It may not have GPS, 3G and a camera, but for that price, it's definitely a great iPod to go for especially for those who aren't heavy users!