Newbie Here: What do you get for $20?

[skaler]

I just bought a 16gig Itouch, and I upgraded it to 1.1.4..
I just started reading this forum trying to figure out what SDK is, and what you get for the $20 upgrade from Apple. Is jailbreaking the same as getting this $20 upgrade?
I gather that jailbreaking is best done from the earlier revisions. Am I out of luck as far as jailbreaking goes by already having upgraded to 1.1.4?
Thanks.

[n1philli]

No, you can down grade and will still be able to do it.

[PG4G]

If you just bought an iPod touch then theoretically, you already should have the update. Don't pay for it. In fact, if you have the update, i don't believe iTunes will allow you to buy it (it requires an iPod touch without the software update to be connected before it will even show you the "Buy" button)

[DerekVOF]

For $20 you get scr.... no, I'm not going to say it...

Your new iPod Touch should come with the $20 applications if you purchased it after January. However, some vendors are still selling old stock without the applications for $20 less. I'm not sure if Apple will or won't give you the applications (if you got the discounted price) for free.

As for the difference between jailbreaking and these applications - jailbreaking actually opens your iPod Touch to a huge variety of applications - games, tools, utilities, etc. Everything from solitaire to a web server. I know people around here throw out SDK like it's the be all end all -- the SDK is just a set of tools (hence the name Software Developers Kit) that allows developers to create applications for the iPhone & iPod Touch. What those applications are, however, remains to be seen. All of us are hoping that with the release of the SDK, Apple will also release a bunch of third-party applications (hopefully some "killer apps"). In the meantime, there are many killer apps for the iPod Touch via the jailbreak.

As for being out of luck, no you're not. There are always ways to downgrade to previous versions of the firmware to allow you to jailbreak. And if you wait for a while longer there will probably be a jailbreak for 1.1.4. Just give it a few days - most of the jailbreaks are coming out within a week or so of new firmware releases.

Congrats on your new iPod Touch

[skaler]

Thanks very much for all the replies. I evidently have a pre-January iTouch, even though I bought it sealed, new, untouched. I'm not sure, but I think the version was 1.1.1 when I hooked it to my computer. I already own a 80gig Classic, and have about 1200 songs on it. When I plugged in the iTouch to my computer, it automatically brought up iTunes, and gave the iTouch the same name as my 80gig Classic. It then told me about the available update, and I went for it.
I did recently see an iTouch on display at Best Buys, and it did have considerably more icons on the face than mine does. I didn't look very closely, so I don't really know what the extra icons do. It is frustrating to have failing eyesight-one of the primary reasons I went from the cover flow Nano to the 80 gig iPod, and now the iTouch. I want to be able to select and play my music without always having to first find my reading glasses.
So, if I understand correctly, jailbreaking will in fact give me those additional icons and their applications that I saw on the iTouch in Best Buys? I think I will wait and see if someone makes the jailbreak available for the 1.1.4. revision. In the meantime, can someone give me a link to where the additional applications are described? Maybe apple's website? Maybe a posting here on the forum? I really don't have any need for video or podcasts, etc. I just like music. I must admit though that connecting to the web is a cool feature. Maybe there are some "killer apps" that I might like.
Thanks again.

[rockmyplimsoul]

Your $20 buys the "January updates" -- Mail, Notes, Maps, Stocks, Weather, plus an customizable home screen to move icons around, plus lyrics support.

http://www.apple.com/ipodtouch/

If you didn't get these things and paid $399 then you should try to either go back to where you bought it to get a $20 discount (if you don't want these features), or exchange for a unit with these applications installed.

[Neeko]

Apparently you can just get them for free, but I think you need to give someone here a reach around to find out how.

[Bob]

Neeko,
If you don't like the way the forums are run then you can leave, free of charge.

[Neeko]

Thanks Bob!

Kisses.

[svt95gt]

I have the same questions. After I jailbreak, where does one find the aps? Are they better than the $20 upgrade?

[PG4G]

The apps are found online through various easily accessible sources I will not do the dishonor of mentioning here.

I believe they are fundamentally the same... however, if you jailbreak, you void your warranty.

Jailbreaking also allows for far more custom written apps for the iPod, apps that may have counterparts that some time down the road will be allowed via iTunes and the SDK (Software Development Kit)

[pss3757]

as they said in Full Metal Jacket......"any ting you want"

[koby1]

Just got a 16gig model A. I still don't know if I should buy the $20 apps, or just wait for the SDK. What are the chances that those apps will be part of the SDK, or then readily available? I really don't need those apps right now, would I just be wasting my money?

[DerekVOF]

Just to clarify - the SDK are only the tools for other developers to make applications. I doubt most developers are going to spend time developing apps that Apple already has, and if they do, I don't think they'd be any less than what Apple is selling them for. And I don't see them deciding to make them available for free. If you want them, get them.

[koby1]

Thx Derek for the clarification.

[jroyal]

What if I bought my TOuch at Costco (yesterday) and didn't come with the upgrade? Anyway to get the upgrade out of Apple with paying for it?

Thanks,

JEff