So, I installed iOs 5 on my iPod Touch 4G yesterday. The IPSW download went smoothly, though I had to restart at one point because iTunes threw a "download was interrupted" error. The first hassle came with the actual install process. It took me three hours to finally get through to Apple's verification server, though this was due to possibly EVERY IDEVICE USER ON EARTH trying to update at the same time. After several tries (I kept getting USB timing errors), the software itself finally installed, a process which went quicker than it had when I updated last (to 4.3.3). After a quick run through the OOBE on my freshly baked install, I was ready to go.

First, the OOBE itself. It's very pleasant to look at, with a monochrome theme that manages to be easy on the eyes without being boring. Options are very simply and clearly presented, with Apple's distinctive layout in full effect. It took me less than one minute to go from a fresh install to a functioning iPod.

The home screen itself hasn't noticeably changed since iOS 4, aside from the addition of some new apps. However, opening and using apps feels somehow smoother than before, more polished. It's a small thing, but it made the experience of organizing and using apps feel much more enjoyable. The apps themselves seem to start and run a little quicker (this could be because it's a fresh install, of course).

One handy new feature in iOS 5 is the ability to use your iPod while it's being synced. Instead of the former lock screen with "Sync in Progress", all you'll see is a small rotating sync icon next to your iDevice name. Surprisingly, using your device while syncing doesn't cause any noticeable performance decreases.

The only real annoyance I have so far is the Newsstand app. I normally toss all the Apple default apps into my "Utilities" folders, since I hardly ever use them. However, for whatever reason Apple has made it impossible to do this with Newsstand. I tried without success for ten minutes to drop it into a folder before I gave up. I know it's a minor thing, but in an otherwise beautifully polished OS, it's kind of jarring.

Anyway, those are my impressions. Let me know what you guys experience!

Newsstand won't sit inside of a folder because it's actually a folder itself (albeit with some custom resources). But I agree that it's annoying - I wish there was some way to hide icons from Springboard.

Or better yet, REMOVE them entirely. I don't plan on reading magazines on my iPod, so I don't NEED Newsstand. However, thanks for the info. I didn't realize it was its own folder.

For me it's great, I like it.

I found that on the iPad 2, It's a bit dumb that you can take a picture with the Volume Up button, though I presume it was included to stop people from complaining…

I actually find it pretty useful, since I can't hold my iPod steady while reaching for the software button. But hey, different strokes for different folks.

For use on an iPhone 4S: Great! Siri works great and is also so funny! For use on an iPod Touch 4G: Great! I especially love the new messaging app.

There is a way to put Newsstand inside a folder in iOS 5, although it's mainly a bug. No jailbreak is required.

All you have to do it create a new folder, and while the folder is being created hold the Newsstand app and it'll go inside the folder(Search YouTube for a better demonstration!). Although you will not be able to use Newsstand (it crashes your Springboard), that shouldn't be a problem seeing how you don't use Newsstand anyway! Hope this helps!

Thanks for the suggestion (on a rather old topic, I might add), but I just moved Newsstand to the second page so I never even have to look at it.

I prefer Jailbreaking my iDevices, There are so more features like Video wallpaper and stuff! I wish Apple would actually put these in so I wouldnt have to Jailbreak anymore! It wouldnt stress the CPU

I had it since the first beta. I think iCloud is great and integrated twitter. Although, newsstand is quite annoying. There should be some way to remove it.

Bumping, locked.