iPod Touch 4G In Short Supply

Consumers who want to get their hands on Apple's newly redesigned iPod touch this week could be out of luck. Demand is such for the devices that the waiting time for delivery was at least a week while some brick-and-mortar stores were sold out as of midday Wednesday, according to several online sites.

The new iPod touch

The quickest way to get the new iPod touch is to walk in and buy one at an Apple Store or Best Buy that still has them in stock, but numerous Best Buy outlets in various parts of the country were out of inventory, the retailer's Web site indicated.

For those who ordered the MP3 and video player online, the wait time through BestBuy.com was six to ten days. Amazon would only promise to deliver the 4th generation iPod touch in one to three weeks, while Apple's online store is offering a turnaround of three to five business days.

Driving demand is the fact that iPod touch 4G is loaded with new features borrowed from the hot selling iPhone 4, including Retina Display, FaceTime video conferencing, and the iOS 4.1 operating system.

"We've put our most advanced technology inside the new iPod touch," said Apple CEO Steve Jobs, at a launch event last week.

"Whether you're listening to music, playing games, making FaceTime video calls, browsing the Web, capturing HD video or watching TV shows and movies, the new iPod touch with its Retina display, A4 chip, and 3-axis gyro is more fun than ever," said Jobs.

The 8GB model is priced at $229, the 32GB model is $299, and a 64GB model is $399. Apple has also revamped the iPod shuffle and iPod nano lineup.