5th-Gen iPod Touch Now Shipping

Apple has begun shipping the new iPod touch, with preorder customers receiving shipping notification emails for the 5th-gen media player. Thrown up for sale last month, after Apple revealed the new model – with its larger, 5-inch display – alongside the iPhone 5, the new iPod touch has a 5-megapixel camera and front-facing iSight camera, along with a new brushed-metal chassis available in multiple colors.

While Apple had confirmed an October release, the company proved coy on dates, and Apple's online store still suggests the vague "October" ship estimate. However, according to a status update emailed to GigaOm's Kevin Tofel, units are being sent out today.

Estimated delivery is on October 15, or in roughly a week's time, though there are signs that retail availability may beat shipped packages to the door. Engadget Chinese's Richard Lai managed to pick an iPod touch 5G up in a Hong Kong Apple Store.

Still no sign, however, of the iPod nano 7GB shipping, also listed as due this month on Apple's site. More on the 5th-gen iPod touch in our hands-on from the launch.