It looks like an iPhone, it smells like an iPhone but its not. It’s actually an iPod, but without the iconic click wheel that many of us have associated with the iPod, arguably the best portable multimedia player that has been launched, its worldwide sales can easily backup that claim. The Apple iPod Touch MB528 with an 8 GB flash memory included in the second generation iPod Touch that was released in September 2009 may be regarded as the less talented kin of the Apple iPhone but is certainly the big brother of the iPod stable both literally and figuratively.

While its first run of the iPod Touch did not meet the usual hoopla that most Apple products get, the second generation has finally received its shining moment courtesy of hardware improvements, software developments, more features, and a price cut.

The Apple iPod Touch MB528 can easily be mistaken for an iPhone, some subtle design differences are there, and luckily, these changes have made it for the better. With the second gen Touch, you will now find on its left edge a slender switch for the volume for easier access to volume control. Another noticeable change in the Apple iPod Touch MB528 is that its back, steel chromed and has a rounded design, which provides the unit a slimmer profile when viewed on its edges, a feature that’s the same as the iPhone 3G. Over all, the faint design changes the Apple iPod Touch MB528 received has made it look sturdier and classier than its previous model. But aside from all this, it’s relatively the same in looks for the uninformed and has the same size. It retains its dimensions of 4.3 x 2.4 x .31 inches. It still sports a 3.5 inch screen and the headphone jack, home and sleep button, and dock connector can still be found in the same location.

The Apple iPod Touch MB528 thankfully has been loaded with lots of features not seen in the first edition of the Touch. While this particular model has the lowest memory, 8 GB, as compared to its stable mates, 16 GB and 32 GB, it’s still a tad pricier than other models of the iPod, like the Nano and the Classic. But, then again, counting the features and versatility it provides as compared to the other models, this price difference will seem quite worth it, not to mention the fact that there is virtually thousands of applications which you can install.

What made the Apple iPod Touch MB528 rise from the ashes left behind by its predecessor is its ability to be able to download a plethora of applications. This is because of the version 4.0 firmware, shared by the iPod Touch and iPhone. All the features mentioned above are just the stock, they can be easily upgraded to something more sophisticated and even have apps that can seem incredulous to be used in an MP3 player. Just by going to the iTunes App Store, you will gain access to numerous applications and be able to download them, and while some have a minimal fee required for purchase, there are also numerous others that are free to download. And as a matter of fact, the supply of applications never seems to run out as each day it seems that a new one is released.

And while it may seem that the possibilities may never end for the Apple iPod Touch MB528, it also has its downside. Its built-in speakers are simply not up to par, others also say that the audio quality is only average. And more importantly, for those that are looking for a simple to use MP3 player, then this one is not for you.