iPod Touch and similiar devices...

[Hokulele]

I've been wanting an iPod Touch for ages now. My birthday is coming up and I *think* that is what DH is going to get me for my gift. : But before we invest that much money, I want to be sure I'm getting what I'm looking for.

Here are my questions:

- Are there any other devices aside from the Touch that are comparable? (I'll consider Apple products as well as non-Apple.) Specifically, I'm looking for something that will allow me to surf the web without paying a monthly fee. I already have a cell phone and I'm not looking to replace that. All I really want is to be able to check email and do other short web visits while I'm out and about, or at home with the kids.

- I've seen people say that they bought theirs at Costco. What are the savings on that? We aren't members of Costco but are seriously considering it and if we could save money on this that would tip the scale for us. :-) I can't get prices online, though, from Costco so I don't know how to find out if it is a significant savings.

- Is it frustrating to find a usable wireless signal when you are out and about?

- How do you like typing with that onscreen keyboard? I thought it seemed annoying when I tried one out at the store. But admittedly I only tried for a minute or two with a baby in my arms so what do I know?

Any advice/thoughts/comments will help me make this decision. I'm not used to spending this much cash on something that's not absolutely necessary so I want to make sure I'm choosing the right thing!

[Drummer's Wife]

I have an iphone which is obviously the ipod touch but with phone service, but I think only these two devices are compatible w/all the Apps on itunes.

As for free wi-fi, there is an App for that one that finds the closest signal -- but I really think it depends on your area. For me, I know b/c of using my netbook when out and about (like in the car, in parking lots, etc.) that I have a hard time finding a wi-fi signal that isn't locked. Most business and people secure their internet service now days. But some hotels and restaurants/coffee shops offer free wi-fi, so if you happen t be in range you could get internet.

If you have a wireless router at home, then you should have no problem checking your email while in or near your house.

I got the iphone b/c of the 3 G network so that I could get online whenever there is phone service (so, pretty much everywhere but the middle of the desert).

The qwerty keyboard gets easier the more you use it. I can type out responses here on MDC without butchering the words too badly.

I think you will be happy with an ipod Touch - but the free wi-fi is going to depend on where you are.

[camera_mama]

I have an iPod touch, and I love it, but the wifi really isn't very good at all. You have to be somewhere with a really strong connection, and most of the time, even when you can get a connection, it is very weak. We recently went on vacation, and the only time that I was able to get a strong enough connection to do anything was when we went to the Apple Store, despite the fact that we had free wifi in our hotel, and we were out and about all over a big city, and in several places that offered free wifi for the duration of our trip.

The keyboard is a pain at first, but you really do get used to it. The apps and games are also really fun too. The battery power is not great, so if you get one, make sure you get some kind of car charger so that you can charge it on the go. And be careful of aftermarket products, because a lot of devices that work for charging iPods do not work with the iPod touch. We have several iPod docks throughout our house that charge our video iPods, but they won't charge the iPod touch (even though the dock speakers are compatible with the iPod). My car adapter also does not work with my iPod touch, although it does work with the video iPod.

[Sailor]

I have the ipod touch too. I love it. I think it's the sexiest piece of technology I've ever owned, lol.

I haven't had any problems with the wireless. At the same time, I haven't really been to any areas where finding wireless would be a problem. I like the keyboard as I think it's so cool that it's a touch screen. However, I don't use it much. I don't think I've ever written an email on it. The only thing I've used the keyboard for is the address book and when surfing online.

In general, though, I use the ipod on a daily basis - as an alarm clock, a calculator, a to do list, for music when running, for directions in the car (mapquest), to watch a movie on it on the airplane, for games, etc.

My new thing is to get books on CD from the library, transfer them to my ipod, and listen to the books while working out. I've "read" quite a few books this way.

[Hokulele]

Hmmmm... so the wifi is something to be concerned about.

How are the applications? I'm hoping the Touch would replace my ancient palm pilot. These are the things I use most: contacts list, to do list, and memos. I assume you can get apps to do these things on the Touch?

Would I also be able to sync/update the apps from my laptop to the Touch and back again?

Thanks for answering my questions. I go online to find out about this stuff but just get all this promotional stuff that doesn't really answer my specific questions. This is all very helpful.

[Aquitane]

I have an iPhone, and I would seriously consider getting that than just getting the Touch. Like a pp said, I can get online anywhere I can get a phone signal which is basically everywhere. I really hate AT & T, but I didn't have a choice. Some good friends have iPhones and they got "jacked" ones that were used and could be set up with other phone services. I think they got them off the internet somewhere.

This phone is phenomenal. We went on vacation and used it as our GPS. I can check email whenever. The calendar that comes with is very useful for me. It entertains my kids in the car for long trips. I could go on and on.

I should say that we are devoted Apple users. In fact I've never used a PC, not even at work. So I guess if you're used to Mac and Apple stuff, this phone is perfect.