Do you think it will scratch as easy as past generations? Or do you think they made it more scratch-resistant?

I suspect it's probably identical to previous generations.....

Indeed, unfortunately.

At least the important side should be relatively scratchless.
(I haven't heard anything for certain, but I figure the front has got to be glass like the iPhone.)

Think again. My iPhone has a couple of scratches in it already. Went and got a Crystal Film cover for it last week. The glass can and does scratch.

Personally I find it a bit pointless to keep the chromed back when the whole device could be uniform in alu casing. Then again the chrome is probably cheaper.

The downgrade to the "I've hated it since I ever saw my first iPod back in 2002" chrome plate is big strike against these new iPods. It's never held up, it looks 3rd rate unless you keep it sealed in a case/film (and what's the point of the shiny then?), and it's such an out of place form over function element in an otherwise fairly durable set of designs.

I agree, I've never liked the chrome backs. They really clash with the purpose of the device. I see nothing wrong with brushed aluminum bodies with the Apple logo on the back. Durable, looks good and feels good.

The iPhone glass does scratch. I don't happen to have any scratches, but my first phone (touch screen failed on it) had small, crystal-like nicks that almost looked like dead pixels. These were actually tiny scratches. I have a Best Skins Ever for this phone to combat that.

^ I like the look of those. I hope something similar will come out for the Touch. Hopefully before I get it!

Invisible Shield sell a cover for it already.

A little sceptical about how well that will fit as it was online within hours of the announcement, but hey, I've ordered one so in a month I'll let you all know! One thing I do know from experience is that if there's ANY problems with an Invisible Shield product that's their fault, they'll replace for free, very promptly.

Quote: (Originally Posted by owen-b)
Invisible Shield sell a cover for it already.

A little sceptical about how well that will fit as it was online within hours of the announcement, but hey, I've ordered one so in a month I'll let you all know! One thing I do know from experience is that if there's ANY problems with an Invisible Shield product that's their fault, they'll replace for free, very promptly.

Hey did you order the full body cover or just the front screen protector

Quote: (Originally Posted by owen-b)
A little sceptical about how well that will fit as it was online within hours of the announcement...

Guess what? Apple provides the third parties with very detailed specs well before the product comes out.