Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_3_4 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8K2 Safari/6533.18.5)

MultiMediaWill said:
Obviousl u don't own an iOS device. There are plenty of texting apps available in the app store

I have an iPhone and I use BiteSMS. I don't need any fake texting app. I use ATT unlimited text.

So you pay like 60 a month to text?
 
This actually does make some sense, although I'd describe that as merging the two products instead of discontinuing the touch. Instead of adding 3G to the touch, just sell the new model without a contract (at a price much closer to the Touch) and make it work without the 3G enabled so people can turn it on when needed like the iPad.

Is there really any reason the iPhone is that much more expensive than the touch ($649 unlocked)? Looking at the actual differences in technology, it seems like the phone price is jacked way up because they can get away with it.

You can already do that with an iphone, they work just like ipod touches if you don't put a sim in them. The ipod touch is cheaper in a few other ways too, it doesn't need as big a battery, the lcd is a cheaper less colour accurate tn panel and it lacks a GPS & compass, there are probably other things though that's just what I can think of off the top of my head.

When I originally stated this rumour was stupid it wasn't because I think that an ipod touch with 3g comparably priced to the current touch would be stupid, it's just that it just doesn't make sense as it'd cost as much to manufacture as a slightly cut price iphone, so why not just produce a cut price iphone?

In the UK you can even still buy an unlocked 3gs though it still costs over twice as much as an 8gb ipod touch.
 
Is that Canadian dollars? If so, its equally bad as the US. Except the three year contracts. That sucks.
Umm...just wondering, do you guys get anything for the 3 yrs contract?

What do you mean by "is that Canadian dollars"?

1 Canadian dollar = 1.01451 U.S. dollars

It's even worst because over here the minutes, SMS and monthly data caps are not even as good as what you get in the USA. Don't only compare the monthly cost, look at what it gives you.

As an example, I pay 25$ for a 2Mbps cable modem. I have a monthly data cap of 35GB, and that's the upload+download total. For every single GB over that 35GB, it's 10$. Yes, 10$ per GB. :mad:
 
Wrong.

Apple sells about two iPod touches for every three iPhones. The user demographic for the iPod touch is considerably younger (13-24 year olds) versus the iPhone owners (the lucrative 25-49 year old age group). Steve himself has said that the iPod touch is training wheels for the iPhone. Note that iPod touch users actually download more apps than iPhone users do.

While overall iPod sales have declined, today the iPod touch is the biggest selling iPod. The iPod touch generates significant revenue, brand awareness, and customer loyalty. As these younger users graduate from school, get jobs, and sign up for smartphone plans, many of them will migrate to the iPhone.

What people can't seem to get through their thick skulls is that it's basically an iPad that fits in your pocket. Whywouldn't it sell? Why should it be forgotten?
 
As usual, no one looks at the technical reasons this wouldn't be practical. An iPod Touch with 3G would need to have essentially the same hardware as the iPhone, but without the ear speaker and sensor. So the price would be pretty much the same, as the sensor and speaker probably cost Apple about 50 cents.

The reason the iPhone is much thicker than the Touch is because it's got a huge battery to support the 3G radio, so what'd be the point in a device that's just an iPhone with text/voice services over GSM disabled? It'd cost the same to manufacture as the iPhone, so why would Apple introduce a device that'd have much less profit margin?

Think about it for a minute... Where would the SIM card go in the Touch? It, along with its connector and socket, are much too thick to fit in the current iPod's profile; meaning it'd have to be thicker, thus ending up the same size as the iPhone. The iPad has enough battery so that the 3G radio makes little difference to the life of the device, and has enough space that a 3G radio is insignificant.
 
I would love for this to happen but this is one of the most stupidest rumors on here. Why would apple make a 3G capable itouch if they already have iPhone and if the 3G was free who would pay for it apple? No. They would lose so much money so the itouch would be like $800 and at&t or Verizon wouldn't pay for it. And there is no need for 3G unless you don't have wifi or travel a lot. They might make a text capable one in 10 years if that.

Please no more 3G itouch rumors there really annoying?
 
Is it me or is Apple trying to stick 3G on everything? Not much point since WIFI is cheaper, much faster, and much more abundant (unless you live in the woods which I understand).

If someone wants a 3G "ipod thingy" they should get an iPad or an iPhone. 3G requires a contract, too. So why would someone buy a Touch for $299 + contract when they can get the iPhone for the same price which provides more features(the phone)?

WiFi is more abundant than 3G?!?

3G is everywhere including the subway train I take to work and my summer cabin on the lake!

WiFi is in Starbucks and McDonalds. If you buy something you can use WiFi at two other coffee chains. Hotels have networks for their guests. The I think I've seen signs for paid hotspot service, but honestly can't remember where. Hardly abundant.

There is no contract requirement for a 3G iPad. I can get enough data for email, Twitter and web searches for $15.

A 3G iPod touch or iPad mini would be great. My wife and I would both get them. She'd probably continue to carry her tiny flip phone in her purse as a backup. It only costs $10/mo and she's got about 400 rollover minutes saved so she might as well keep it.
 
Believe me, man. Voice calling is on the decline. It's rocketing towards messaging and data.
Besides I prefer to leave conversation to more personal face-to-face time when possible. Feels more valued to me.

Agreed. Not sure how people don't see how voice is declining. It's actually something the carriers are fearing.

The majority of people I know text probably 75% of the time and talk 25% of the time.

Texting gives many more advantages (just like email). You can respond to it when you have time. And conversations can go back and forth over a period of time where voice has to take place and that person has to be engaged with you directly.

I see in 2 years that voice calling is something that is more of a thing of the past and we are doing more things like Facetime and texting as the main sources of communication.

I get what you're saying now. I must be an old dinosaur, I see people texting back and forth constantly and just can't understand why they don't just call and take care of business. From my point of view, which is obviously in the minority, I see texting as more of a novelty than anything, a neat, high tech toy that people use just because they can, not because they need to or want to. Now before you jump all over me, I know that there are many instances where texting is practical, just as you have said.
But when you have 4 people sitting at a table texting each other, I think it's idiotic. Ditto for all the 12 year olds walking around with their smatrphones texting 24/7.

Again, that's the way I see it and not many see it this way. I guess I'm just getting old, but I do like computers and all the high tech toys. Oh well. End of rant. :D
 
Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_2_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8C148 Safari/6533.18.5)

The more I hear the more clear it becomes to me that the 3G iPod touch and the cheap, contract-free iPhone rumours are one and the same. If you tried to describe either device you'd come up with the exact same thing. People can debate it till the cows come home, but at the end of the day the only difference between the two is branding. I'm placing my bets now, the device you're all taking about is what has been leaked as the 'N94'
 
What do you mean by "is that Canadian dollars"?

1 Canadian dollar = 1.01451 U.S. dollars

It's even worst because over here the minutes, SMS and monthly data caps are not even as good as what you get in the USA. Don't only compare the monthly cost, look at what it gives you.

As an example, I pay 25$ for a 2Mbps cable modem. I have a monthly data cap of 35GB, and that's the upload+download total. For every single GB over that 35GB, it's 10$. Yes, 10$ per GB. :mad:

Are you talking about your internet bill?

I'm paying 30$ a month for telus IP TV and optik internet no Cap. I thinks it 15Mbps or 20 Mbps with unlimited bandwidth!!!

As for for my iPhone with rogers I pay 45$ a month for 250 Mins, nights after 6 PM, weekends free, unlimited incoming, 1000 LD, Fav 5, 2500 Text CID, VM, 6 GB data, and free tethering.

If I where you I would take over a rogers contract and contact retentions. Google " redflagdeals roger wireless retention" for more info
 
Before going to bed last night i had a thought (no....!). As steve isn't at the helm anymore (day to day), and as Apple seems to have been slowly getting away from releasing products at specific shows (releasing more on their own terms), and the longer gap this year with the iphone release, im wondering if this year we actually get a "direct from Apple" media stream for the iphone release.

If you think about it, we're still talking of the lack of media invites going out. Apple this year has been rediculously good at being secretive, and one of the things they must hate is putting out the invites because everyone whos watching (the world) knows that something's happening. I bet they'd love to do a streaming event direct from infinite loop, with no press to really catch people off their feet. I mean, do they really need a room full of press? The whole world in on the edge of their seat waiting for any new iphone news anyway.


Just a thought.
 
Are you talking about your internet bill?

I'm paying 30$ a month for telus IP TV and optik internet no Cap. I thinks it 15Mbps or 20 Mbps with unlimited bandwidth!!!

Yes, 25$/month is my internet bill for 2Mbps, 35GB cap. There is zero alternative either, so it's either that or dial-up... from the same company (Télébec).

Count yourself lucky about your internet connection.
 
I'm not particularly interested in 3G. Though I wouldn't mind having the GPS receiver that comes with the 3G hardware.
 
The iPod Touch is dead. Apple, let's focus on the iPhone only please.

They still make those?

This is a dumb rumour, why would apple sell what would effectively be an iphone with voice/sms service disabled!?

:rolleyes:

Huh .. like many said .. you're all dead wrong. iPod touch 3G or even LTE = iPhone dead on the ditch instead. IP communication service like Skype with sufficient credit can replace iPhone feature. Except it can't dial 911 .. because you'd need one when iPhone dead too, don't you? :rolleyes:
 
Now before you jump all over me, I know that there are many instances where texting is practical, just as you have said.
But when you have 4 people sitting at a table texting each other, I think it's idiotic. Ditto for all the 12 year olds walking around with their smatrphones texting 24/7.

Again, that's the way I see it and not many see it this way. I guess I'm just getting old, but I do like computers and all the high tech toys. Oh well. End of rant. :D

Oh I completely agree with you about people texting 24/7 , not paying attention to whats around them and walking with their heads in their phone and at the table at a restaurant.

But that's all about bad habits and social etiquette.

But when I look at my usage..my voice usage is down and my texting is always up each month..just because people seem to text more to me.

Not saying I don't use voice..just saying Im starting to see less and less usage of it unless I want to have an extender conversation that can't take place in person
 
An iPod touch with 3G would effectively be an iPhone in most ways, right?

Then think about this: if Apple so chooses to keep the iPod touch's slim profile, we won't get stuff like the 8 MP camera (and high-quality HD video recording) or any other things. They'd be sure to differentiate the iPhone a lot from the iPod touch so that it doesn't cannibalise the iPhone market.
 
Hopefully they will also offer a 5G Ipod Touch without 3g capability .I agree that if you are going to pay for 3g on an Ipod Touch just get a new iphone.Paying a monthly charge on an ipod touch is nuts.
 
Ooohh! Ooohh! Me me me! I know.
Okay, becauuuuse 1) in my experience a wifi-only device like a current iPod Touch will lose connectivity when it goes to sleep thus missing notifications and 2) Because the carriers still charge a higher data plan on-contract for a mifi than say, an iPad month-to-month.

I don't know about MiFi connectivity but my iPod Touch 4G never looses contact with my home Wifi system when it goes to standby. I have several App's with push notifications that if issued are waiting on the screen when I wake my 4G up.
 
I'm not particularly interested in 3G. Though I wouldn't mind having the GPS receiver that comes with the 3G hardware.
Bingo!
I just want a little entertainment device with gps navigation and occasional email and web browsing that is NOT my phone. I can't tell you how many times I've been driving in a new area navigating via my phone and got a call that ended up making me miss my turn.

Bring on a 3G iPod touch (I remember seeing references to it being the Ipad Nano) and I'll take one! If nothing else just to keep my phone separate from the rest so that I can leave it at home when I want or in the office on the weekends and forget about the calls. Better yet, bring on the dumbed down cheap pre-pay iphone for the third world and I might take one of them as well. After all the iOS interface is pretty nice!
 
What do you mean by "is that Canadian dollars"?

1 Canadian dollar = 1.01451 U.S. dollars

It's even worst because over here the minutes, SMS and monthly data caps are not even as good as what you get in the USA. Don't only compare the monthly cost, look at what it gives you.

As an example, I pay 25$ for a 2Mbps cable modem. I have a monthly data cap of 35GB, and that's the upload+download total. For every single GB over that 35GB, it's 10$. Yes, 10$ per GB. :mad:

Didn't know the the two dollars are equivalent. The only experience I have with the Canadian $ is when I look at a book cost, it usually says US $8 and something like Can $12. I thought that would give an accurate dollar conversion...guess not. Yeah...those are some ridiculously horrible rates. $10 per GB is crazy. What gives?
 
Now THIS is a rumor! Hope it pans out....that would be sweet! Seriously.

Besides having a natural aversion to being locked into a contract, I travel alot and it just doesn't make sense. When abroad, i use skype or facetime on my ipad. That is why i never bought an iphone, and have a cheapo Virgin flip pay as you go phone.

If the 3G ipod touch rumor is true(we will find out in a few weeks)...then i would definitely nab one. I already have a 3G ipad, but the size of an ipod touch would be more phone friendly while out and about.

Everyone has their own criteria, so there is no right or wrong, but for me personally, the ATT voice/data/text plan is ridiculously overpriced at up to $140 a month not including fees. Thats what? $1,680 a year?

Although not a solution for everyone, a 3G ipod touch would be perfect for me. Not to mention a HELLUVA lot cheaper. Which is always nice.

Of course there are pros and cons for both set ups. But it'd be cool to have a choice.

I only hope the ipod touch gets a better camera along with the 3G.

Unlike others, i dont agree that such an ipod touch will hurt Apple at ALL. Because they are both Apple products! They'll make money either way. Hello!

Besides, not everyone is going to abandon the phone. For one thing, you can't call 911 among other things. But for others like me, i am ready to sever that voice plan cord and embrace the data world.

I'm already hooked on skype and facetime....and with imessage coming in iOs 5...i'd be set.

It should be interesting to see what happens. How the telcom companies will react. I think they will benefit actually. I mean they obviously make money with 3g ipads. I know that an ipod touch would be more "phone like" and more of a so called threat to voice plans....however...like i wrote above...most people are not ready to abandon their smart phones yet. And those that get a 3G ipod touch will still buy a monthly data plan....so ATT will still make money.

In the future perhaps we will live in an all data plan world....and when that happens, i am sure the telcom companies will raise their rates accordingly to compensate for the loss of voice plans. But that is a long ways off.
 
People who think that this is a good way to replace your voice plan are half right. Good for teens as a phone but not adults. People have family emergencies. Happens to everyone. Who would text a family member about a death or an accident? You don't text things like that. You call.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.