With the release of the original, 1st Generation iPod Touch, and its later partner, the 4th Generation iPod Nano, the world has witnessed a multitouch revolution. Each device is unique in its own right... but sometimes a user might wonder exactly how unique these countless gadgets can be. Taking the iPod Touch and 4G Nano as an example, both appear to have very similar exteriors (the myriad of available colors aside), come equipped with a program referred to as an accelerometer (which enables horizontal picture viewing or video display when the iPod is tilted), and have a seemingly similar interface.



In fact, the main difference between the two is - arguably - the storage capacities. Armed with an 8 GB or 16 GB Flash drive, the 4G Nano dominates the 1G Touch's 8 GB, 16GB, or 32 GB regular hard drive.

Both sport a 2 inch display screen; however the Nano demonstrates a much sleeker, more modern design with its tapered edges and oval-like shape. It's comparably lighter too - able to make a user wonder if he or she picked up the store's demo by mistake.

The Nano, in comparison, has a few interesting innovations "under the hood" that would certainly separate it from the Touch, though. A new program called "Genius" mode enables a user to instantly create playlists based on similar song attributes. In addition to that, the shake-to-shuffle feature incorporates a whole new idea - simply shaking the device in order to shuffle the playlist.

What is possibly the most generous implementation, however, is simply the new incorporation of voice prompts. Unlike the iPod Touch, Nano offers the option of having a voice announce the different selections - making it a very user friendly device for the visually impaired.

Also, while the Touch was virtually useless without being connected to iTunes, the Nano is a fairly independent device - what with the introduction of WiFi and all. You could even record voice memos with the additional purchase of a compatible microphone (the port is a little picky about what mics will fit and which won't). The mic is also a bit pricey, but well worth it for the people that might use it.