iphonemactic > iPod Touch

Thanks to Apple, we’re left with pretty much the same opening line here: the iPod touch G3 is the same as last year.

Except, of course, like the iPhone 3GS, that outward assessment doesn’t tell the inner story at all, and while Apple marketing didn’t see fit to call this the iPod touch S, that inner story is again all about speed.

Note: You’ll see a lot of “like the iPhone 3GS here” because, frankly, it is and we reviewed that member of Apple’s mobile platform family first. That also means we’ll focus on what differences there are, and we’ll also take a look at whether the iPod touch G3 is a good choice for those who want in on Apple’s iPod and App Store ecosystem, but don’t want an iPhone or smartphone contract. (Yes, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, Palm, Android, and feature-phone users want an “App for That” too…)

Strictly as an iPod, the iPod touch G3 is an evolution that will appeal to those who really want a faster device or the expanded memory 64GB offers. If those are your primary criteria, it’s an easy choice.

If you already have an original iPod touch G1, and certainly if you have last year’s iPod touch G2, you might want to hold out for the next revision which — hopefully! — will get that camera and mic.

If you’re new to the iPod ecosystem, this is the flag ship device for a reason. It’s super snappy, a media beast, and can access the App Store. However, you may still want to consider an iPhone first.

Now, if you have kids and don’t want them to have a phone, but do want to share all your iTunes media and apps with them for fun and vacation, then the latest iPod touch is a dream device. If you really can’t cut that other (smart)phone cord but want a taste of the iPhone experience, then this is definitely the way to go.

Just make really, truly sure you wouldn’t prefer an iPhone first. And if you get that taste and decide your really want that always-on connection and video goodness, hey, you can always upgrade to an iPhone later.

For existing iPhone owners, it’s a tough sell. If you already have an iPhone 2G and don’t want a new one, the iPod touch 3G can give you some new hardware, but it’s one more thing to carry around. Same for iPhone 3G owners.

For iPhone 3GS owners, unless you’re an uber-geek who needs a device to develop for beta firmware, run jailbroken or otherwise experiment with, or just to keep around the house as an ultra-compact web tablet and iTunes remote, you’re already covered.