Arstechnica sees the Touch as a PDA

[The new member]

Really, if we can install some third party applications, then yes, it will become a 299$ PDA with best UI ever

http://arstechnica.com/journals/appl...-apple-expects

iPod touch may do more than Apple expects
By Justin Berka | Published: September 05, 2007 - 06:16PM CT

The iPod touch already has a lot of features, including the usual music and video capabilities and some new Internet and WiFi tricks. In fact, the iPod touch might be so different in both looks and functionality from previous iPods that it's no longer just a media player. But exactly what is it? A media player on steroids, a PDA that plays music, or an ultraportable computer that's as slim on features as it is in depth? I don't know how it should be classified, but I do think the iPod touch will quickly migrate towards the latter two categories and will end up replacing several types of device.

Apple has already sneaked a few PDA features (Calendar and Contacts) onto the iPod touch, but the real key to making it more than what Apple intended it to be will be hacks and modifications. There's already a vast stable of iPhone applications and modifications, and chances are the underlying software is similar enough that they'll work on the iPod. Yes, things like an e-mail client and a word processor haven't been written for the iPhone, but I'm sure they will be soon. Add those as well as a few more applications, and the iPod touch very quickly becomes a really cool ultraportable computer, which is what I'm most excited to use it as. Imagine, if you will, being able to get to your e-mail, use AIM, play games, and use whatever other applications you so desire, all without carrier lock-in and monthly fees.

If (or when) the iPod touch gains a library of applications and extra features, PDAs and devices like Nokia's N800 are going to be in some trouble. The iPod touch is competitively priced and has most of the features of other multi-functional devices, but I suspect it does a better job of playing music and videos than your average PDA. Ultimately, I think the new iPod is already a very attractive device for anyone who wants to use media and the Internet but doesn't want a new phone; it will get only more attractive when iPod applications turn it into an ultraportable computer.

[clevin]

I made such statement about 10 minutes after the announcement....
It is indeed. so far a week PDA, would be much better with native 3rd party apps.

PS, its ridiculous to say "do more than apple expected", apple isn't stupid, they know what they are doing. they know what the product really is.