Have they done the right thing?

[beanlambert]

well, this si an obvious poll really. Is gen 3 a step in the right direction? i think it is a evolutionary peice of technology.

[harry]

The only thing that Apple needs to work on (and it's not really theirs to do) is extend the battery life. 8 hours is good, but longer battery life is always a good thing.

[hype]

I believe it was an error to make all the buttons touchpad though. I prefer solid buttons.

[uniqueseraph]

The specs are much better but the design is not as great as the original

[Jester]

Having never touched the previous models, I have no basis for comparing one vs. the other. As far as I am concerned, the new one is a technical marvel. Very happy with the size, weight, and storage capacity. As another member mentioned it would be nice to have greater battery life.

[destined_wind]

Yes, I agree with the Jester... Apple has gone a LONG way since the first generation Ipods. Although there are some doubts about the new touchpads...frankly, I think they are very cool and supposely "more durable". By the way, is that REALLY true, that the touch pads are "more durable"?

[Kenny]

I think it's a two steps forward, one step back sort of deal.

I like how they implemented the smaller and lighter size, all touch sensitive buttons, and fixed up some software quirks, but they also took a big step backwards with the battery.

All in all though, I'd rather have this one than my old 10gig pod:) .

[Impulse29]

Yeah, but what about the smaller hard drive, and the touchpad... do they require less batteries? How do they test the battery? just let it play till it can't play anymore? I have used mine for 12 hours (from 5 in the morning till now), and the battery is still going (2 bars)... I played games, listened to music, and had the backlight on from 5-7...

I'd say apple took another step forward because the iPod can be both mac and pc compatible... also, ease of use, and customizability (if that's a word)... And a step back in delivery...

[mookiemeister]

I got a 3G iPod. It looks great and plays well. The only problems I have with it was solved after I upgraded the firmware from 2.0.1 to 2.1. Now the only wish I have for iPod was if the battery is a little longer lasting.

[bognormike]

The iPod can only get better in all aspects!

[ndogg]

I think they've been improving pretty well. Although, the touchpad may get annoying sometimes (having to push more than once for it to work), I think it's better in the long run -- not having to worry about breaking parts and all.

[tiki_god]

extend the battery life!