iPod Touch 5th Gen -v- 4th Gen

Rich_L · 5 Feb 2013 at 02:16

Hi folks,

Contemplating buying an iPod touch to use for running/gym as there seems to be some cool apps available and also tons of accessories designed to fit the iPods snugly. I've tried taking my phone a few times (Razr Maxx) but I'm always paranoid of dropping or stepping on it as to replace it would cost $$$$$s.

My question is, is there any huge benefit of the 5th gen iPod ($299) over the 4th Gen (I'd probably get an Apple refurb too, 8Gb for $150 or so). As far as I can see for the things I'd be using it for the 4th Gen would be more than adequate, or even a 3rd Gen ($90) to be honest! Or 2nd Gen ($70)? I dunno

Never owned anything iPod or Apple even so interested in your opinions. Also is there a way that I can use the Touch without having to load iTunes on any of my computers- that would be great also. Happy to jailbreak if needed.

Feedback appreciated!

lamboman · 5 Feb 2013 at 08:42

For your usage the 4th generation will be sufficient. However, for anything else I'd not recommend it, extremely slow.

5th gen is far too expensive to be honest.

thingemajib · 8 Feb 2013 at 01:28

My dad has a 2nd gen, was nice and shiny when he first got it, but subsequent updates and apples shenanigans have left it cripplingly slow. Plus the latest ios it will support is 4.2.1 so new apps wont be compatible. However, still plays music just fine (its what ipods are all about right?)

I know someone with a 3rd gen and I could ask him how it runs lately, the latest ios it will support is 5.1.1 which is still compatible with new apps.

All in all though it looks like 4th gen is your sweetspot, dunno how 256mb ram holds up nowadays though, possibly a recipe for disaster with the latest ios but I could be wrong.

5th gen, as said above, is a lil expensive

demonix · 8 Feb 2013 at 14:39

thingemajib said:
All in all though it looks like 4th gen is your sweetspot, dunno how 256mb ram holds up nowadays though, possibly a recipe for disaster with the latest ios but I could be wrong.

Your not wrong as I can't multi task on my iPod tough 4th gen without one or more items being closed because of a lack of memory (plus the battery life has gone down the toilet).

KPeh · 9 Feb 2013 at 10:10

Don't get a fourth gen. Not enough memory. For a good proportion of apps it'll be painfully slow to use and you'll get regular crashes.

Rich_L · 10 Feb 2013 at 01:34

thingemajib said:
My dad has a 2nd gen, was nice and shiny when he first got it, but subsequent updates and apples shenanigans have left it cripplingly slow. Plus the latest ios it will support is 4.2.1 so new apps wont be compatible. However, still plays music just fine (its what ipods are all about right?)

I know someone with a 3rd gen and I could ask him how it runs lately, the latest ios it will support is 5.1.1 which is still compatible with new apps.

All in all though it looks like 4th gen is your sweetspot, dunno how 256mb ram holds up nowadays though, possibly a recipe for disaster with the latest ios but I could be wrong.

5th gen, as said above, is a lil expensive

Thanks, that's great info. Maybe the 3rd or 4th gen would be about right then, will ask around and see if anyone I know has one I can play with.