This Engadget post says that people who bought the iPod Touch after January 1st should be able to get the new software update announced at MacWorld for free instead of paying $20. I can report that this was true for me.
I bought my iPod Touch on January 2nd at the Apple Store in Lynnwood. Yesterday I happened to be near downtown Bellevue so I stopped by the Apple Store in the mall and asked about the update being covered by Apple’s 30-day price protection. The sales clerk asked for my receipt, then entered the transaction as a return, crediting $21.78 to the card I bought the iPod with. Then I went home and bought the software update for that amount. Easy.
If the WiFi at my apartment was working I could actually use the new apps. But I did write myself a nice Note on it.
This is the one thing that drives me crazy about the iPod Touch. It has lots of great features that rely on WiFi. But how often are you connected to WiFi when you’re out and about? Almost never. And so I stare forlornly at my YouTube button, knowing that “Chocolate Rain” lies just beyond my grasp.
Don’t get me wrong, I like the device. But I still wonder whether it would have been better to get a Classic. I’m just glad I didn’t pay for the new update, given that I can’t use most of the new apps unless I happen to be within the radius of free, public WiFi. In the case of Google Maps that means I can only get lost or plan trips when I’m standing in a hot spot.
Wade Rockett 
yea thats true u need to be in a “hot spot” to get on the ipod touch, but im wondering how far the the touch can reach.
It’s pretty good! Riding on the bus in the middle of the freeway, I can see the Wifi from surrounding businesses come and go on my iPod.
i nominate Chocolate rain as the #1 most likely song to get stuck in a person’s head