LINDSEY GRINSTEAD | staff writer

Apple Inc. recently overhauled its entire line of iPods to introduce the new iPod Touch - an iPhone without the phone and other cool features.

Apple has recently devised a plan to put the world at our fingertips. The new iPod Touch has the potential to revolutionize technology as we know it. The newest iPod is a touch-screen music device, with wireless access. The design is comparable to the iPhone, but does not function as a cell phone.

“The iPod touch is the first to take advantage of the new multi-touch technology, it is also the first iPod to be able to use wifi to download new music straight to the device through iTunes,” Apple Store representative and APU senior marketing major TJ Taylor said. “This iPod is a smart choice for students to stay organized because it comes fully equipped with iCal and Safari.”

The wireless feature on the iPod Touch allows for web browsing wherever signal is available. This feature opens up a whole new way for music enthusiasts to purchase and listen to songs of their choice easily. People can search, preview and download millions of songs from the iTunes music store.

For instance, an APU student sitting on Cougar Walk remembers that he enjoyed a particular song the night before when he was watching the Country Music Awards. If this student happens to own an iPod Touch, he can log into the APU wireless network from his chair, open up the iTunes music store, locate the song and download it in seconds.

Convenience at its finest. With an effortless finger movement, the student was able to download the song he heard the previous night for a meager ninety-nine cents. Music is then stored directly on the iPod which eliminates the need to sync with a computer.

Later, if the iPod Touch owner chooses to sync with the computer, the songs purchased via wireless will load immediately onto the iTunes library.

“The iPod touch is amazing. So high-tech and easy to use, my iPod mini looks ancient compared to it,” senior psychology major Ashley Nobriga said. “I wouldn’t even have to move if I decided I wanted a song. I could get it right then and there!”

Apple is partnering with Starbucks to provide even more consumer convenience. Various Starbucks locations have wireless internet for their customers; Apple has found a way to capitalize on this provision. Upon entering a participating Starbucks, the iPod Touch will automatically recognize the Starbucks browser without connection fees or login requirements.

After login, the screen will display the current song playing in the Starbucks at that very moment. If a person likes what they hear, he or she can buy and download it immediately.

The iPod Touch will always keep the owner up-to-date on the song playing, and will also keep a log of the ten most recently played songs from the store.

This feature will be taking effect shortly. The first locations will open in New York, Seattle and in the Los Angeles area in February. Check apple.com/starbucks for rollout details.

“My two favorite worlds are colliding. Music and coffee. I depend on Starbucks and music to get me going in the mornings and now there is the potential to enjoy the luxury of new music while I drink my much needed caffeine,” senior business administration major Elaine Cannariato said.

With Safari built into the wireless, feature web pages look the same as they do on the computer. Users are able to bookmark pages or sync favorite web locations from their PC or Mac computer. The consumer has the option to view the pages in either a portrait or a landscape format. This decision is made by flipping the iPod Touch accordingly.

The iPod Touch still maintains the photo-storing feature and pictures can be loaded onto the device and viewed on the screen. It also features iCal which is a program that utilizes a calendar for organization.