iPod 4th Gen 2011

The 2011 version of the iPod touch (4th Generation) is identical to the original iPod touch (4th Gen), with the main differences being the addition of a white color option alongside black and a lower price for the entry-level model. The black configurations even share the same order numbers as the original models.

Like its predecessor, the iPod touch (4th Gen, 2011) resembles a "phone-less" version of the iPhone 4. It lacks 3G/EDGE mobile networking, A-GPS (though it supports Wi-Fi-based location mapping), and a digital compass. It also has a lower-quality, roughly 0.70-megapixel rear camera without a flash.

Otherwise, the iPod touch (4th Gen, 2011) is very similar to the iPhone 4, featuring a 3.5" 960x640 (326 ppi) "Retina display" (a non-IPS version), FaceTime video calling via Apple ID or email, an integrated microphone, a front-facing VGA camera, iMovie editing support, a 3-axis gyroscope, and 720p video recording (with the lower-quality camera).

Powered by an Apple A4 processor like the iPhone 4, it has only 256 MB of RAM (vs. 512 MB) and was available with 8 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB of storage. Apple's estimated battery life is 40 hours of music and 7 hours of video playback.

The 2011 refresh of the 4th generation iPod touch was a minor but welcome update. The addition of a white color option provided more choice for consumers, and the lower price point for the entry-level model made it even more accessible. The hardware remained the same as the 2010 model, which meant it still had the excellent Retina display, the capable A4 processor, and the front and rear cameras for FaceTime and HD video recording. The still camera quality was still a weak point, but the overall package was incredibly compelling. By 2011, the App Store was thriving, and the iPod touch was the perfect device to take advantage of it. It was a fantastic media player, a powerful pocket computer, and a great gaming device, all in one. The 2011 update solidified its position as the best portable media player on the market.