Apple Taking Pre-Orders for iPod touch, Still No Specific Release Date in Sight

Two weeks after unveiling the latest edition of its popular touchscreen handheld, Apple is taking pre-orders of the latest iPod touch but the company is only giving a vague release window of October, leaving longing customers in the dark.

With the sixth-generation iPod touch using similar components to the iPhone 5, including the in-cell screen technology that's in short supply, it is likely that Apple is giving a higher-priority to its latest smartphone, making sure demands are met before sharing product equipment between the two devices. Those ordering Apple's new smartphone today have to wait nearly a month to receive it.

As always, this version of the iPod touch will be very similar to the most current iPhone model, sporting a 4.0-inch 1136 x 640 resolution touchscreen -- larger and brighter than its predecessor's display.

While Apple's latest music player sells for $300 and $400 for the 32GB and 64GB models, respectively, the iPhone 5 is a higher-profile product and boasts a higher profit margin for the company, selling for $200 with a service agreement and $600 off-contract. Apple will likely release the new iPod touch in mid or late October, once sales of its latest smartphone begin to settle.

Until then, iPod touch enthusiasts will just have to wait and dream about the handheld's new Apple A5 dual-core processor, which will bring Siri support to the device, and 40 hours of music playback capability. Shipping with Apple's newly available iOS 6, the iPod touch will be available in a range of colors and will likely be a hit among consumers who don't want to pay a monthly service fee for an Internet-enabled musical device.