Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Fresh Claims of 3G-Capable iPod Touch in Development
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
1) No, they need an entry level, and they will definitely charge more for the memory doubling. And a 128GB version would definitely cost more than $50 over the 64GB, or even $100 for that matter. It could be 16/32/64 at 199/299/399, but Apple likes to get the customer overspending for memory, so I think it will remain 8/32/64.
2) 2 megapixels? Maybe. But not more than that, they need selling points for the iPhone. I would not be surprised if the camera remains the same as now.
3) Never. Apple never cared for old UIs, just see the change in the iPod Nano. If a 128GB Touch comes out (which won't happen) and the Classic gets discontinued (which won't happen anytime soon), the Clickwheel will die. In peace.
4) The iPod Touch needs the same processing power as the iPhone, except for a negligible difference. The RAM will likely get boosted to 512MB and the CPU will likely get replaced with the A5, but if it remains the A4, I expect it to be the same as now. No overclocking, it could lead to fragmentation.
I was thinking a while ago, if I could somehow replace my iPhone with an iPad. Now, excusing the fact that you'd look like a massive knob walking down the street using an iPad and requiring a hands free kit (does the iPad even support that?), the biggest problem I realised was and this would apply to the iPod touch in this case too - VOIP presumably requires a decent data connection. In the UK at least there are chunks of the country that either don't have 3G or even any cellular data services. (notably for me, in both my parents homes or whenever I take the train to London, my data services drop like a stone)
Now, I don't know what the situation is in the US, but in the UK, the lack of some data connected areas signal outside of cities makes this untenable. It's a shame, because I really would like to abandon the carriers voice / text services and not have to compromise.
Now, I don't know what the situation is in the US, but in the UK, the lack of some data connected areas signal outside of cities makes this untenable. It's a shame, because I really would like to abandon the carriers voice / text services and not have to compromise.
There is already a 3G iPod (kinda)
Check this out:
http://www.virginmobileusa.com/mobile-broadband/peel-3200.html
Sprint has a similar device, $29.99 for the device, $19.99 / month for a no-contract plan
Check this out:
http://www.virginmobileusa.com/mobile-broadband/peel-3200.html
Sprint has a similar device, $29.99 for the device, $19.99 / month for a no-contract plan
That's pretty well priced for what it does. I think I'd still take a micro-sim slot though. Especially if the battery remains similar to the older touches.
iPod Touch + 3G + iMessage + Any VOIP App =
Apple's low cost iPhone.
Seriously. What else could Apple do? There is no getting around the exorbitant fees charged by the carriers. Apple is sick of the horrid scam that is text messaging plans, so they invented iMessage to side step carriers for 90% of the texts we send. Next is a 3G iPod touch to lower the monthly cost down to $15-25 (from $80 -100) and you really WILL have a lost cost "iPhone"
Apple's low cost iPhone.
Seriously. What else could Apple do? There is no getting around the exorbitant fees charged by the carriers. Apple is sick of the horrid scam that is text messaging plans, so they invented iMessage to side step carriers for 90% of the texts we send. Next is a 3G iPod touch to lower the monthly cost down to $15-25 (from $80 -100) and you really WILL have a lost cost "iPhone"
You are right and that is a serious limitation of mi-fi (especially on 3). Cellular coverage blind-spots is a serious problem and especially on public transport which actually limits the iPhone 'experience'. Most people sit at home or in public transport to play around with their smart phones. At home most people have wi-fi and on public transport there is patchy (at best) cellular connectivity. So the only reason to own an iPhone really is for the extra spec (better camera, front & back camera, more RAM, better processor, better display). This will continue to be the case and hence why I don't think Apple will deny 3G capability from the new iPod Touch. It won't cannibalise the iPhone. No way.
You need to get your parents to install wi-fi broadband and forget about cellular on the train (certainly not on the high speed Pendolinos on the west coast mainline!
Voice over GSM is still more reliable than 3G which is why having a full loaded iPod Touch 3G and an older (cheaper) cell phone makes sense in the UK. But only if the iPod Touch 3G has good enough camera in my humble opinion.
Blame the FCC for not mandating a single celluar standard.Why does the US still have a third rate wireless internet infrastructure?
Well, I don't know where you live, but in my area (Mid-Atlantic region - Philly), we have free wifi available at several chain establishments. We have Panera Bread, McDonalds, Barnes & Noble to name a few. Also, there are many smaller, independent establishments that have free wifi.
Most hotels have free wifi that can be accessed in the parking lot ... if you're into war-driving. Also, there are many smaller, independent establishments that have free wifi.
Frank
My thoughts exactly. They will just screw you somewhere else. Apple created their messaging app, and texting plans went up. Once the iPhone became popular, data costs seem to have went up, too. Or at least one gets less for their money with caps and throttling.
I forgot about that one. Now if it only worked on the latest 4th Generation Touch.
Why iPOD could be better than iPhone
If apple would design accordingly, they could make a product for everyone that is tired of getting ripped off from cell companies.
You simply need a iPOD that has a the speaker for the ear and the mic for the mouth when you put it to your face. If they make that, I will pay $1350 for a 64GB one. Why? Here is my math:
I purchase a new iPhone for $300, then pay $90 a month for crappy cell services in america. Take my pick, the price is virtually the same from Verizon or AT&T because the price fix with the permission of our government.
iPhone Cost for me: $2500 for 2 year contract.
Now, apple comes out with my product with the phone parts on the iPOD, less the 3G, just need wifi. For me, I am wifi all the time.
I pay $1350 for the iPOD. I pay Skype $3 a month for unlimited talk. Yes, just three bucks a month. I do it now. I also buy a phone number from Skype for $12 a year. Yes, I have one now. So my 2 year costs of having a number you can reach me from and I can call you from unlimited for 2 years is just $98.
Now I am up to $1450 cost. Right now I can use text mate and have unlimited sms for $5 a year. But I am thinking I will use the upcoming SMS from apple for free. So ALL IN, I have a phone, data, and SMS while on wifi for $1450 for 2 years. That is 1 grand less than I phone.
I will buy it now if it is available. However, I am lucky, if apple makes such a product, I bet it will cost around $500-$600. So I will get a real phone for less than $700 a 2 year using the new iPod (if it has those dang phone parts: speaker for the ear and mic where my mouth it).
No more Cell companies, no more wasted federal taxes on those silly cell charges.
Now, if there is a 3G version, I might also consider it but for me, nah, I am always on wifi when I want to talk. When I am not on wifi, I don't want to talk.
If apple would design accordingly, they could make a product for everyone that is tired of getting ripped off from cell companies.
You simply need a iPOD that has a the speaker for the ear and the mic for the mouth when you put it to your face. If they make that, I will pay $1350 for a 64GB one. Why? Here is my math:
I purchase a new iPhone for $300, then pay $90 a month for crappy cell services in america. Take my pick, the price is virtually the same from Verizon or AT&T because the price fix with the permission of our government.
iPhone Cost for me: $2500 for 2 year contract.
Now, apple comes out with my product with the phone parts on the iPOD, less the 3G, just need wifi. For me, I am wifi all the time.
I pay $1350 for the iPOD. I pay Skype $3 a month for unlimited talk. Yes, just three bucks a month. I do it now. I also buy a phone number from Skype for $12 a year. Yes, I have one now. So my 2 year costs of having a number you can reach me from and I can call you from unlimited for 2 years is just $98.
Now I am up to $1450 cost. Right now I can use text mate and have unlimited sms for $5 a year. But I am thinking I will use the upcoming SMS from apple for free. So ALL IN, I have a phone, data, and SMS while on wifi for $1450 for 2 years. That is 1 grand less than I phone.
I will buy it now if it is available. However, I am lucky, if apple makes such a product, I bet it will cost around $500-$600. So I will get a real phone for less than $700 a 2 year using the new iPod (if it has those dang phone parts: speaker for the ear and mic where my mouth it).
No more Cell companies, no more wasted federal taxes on those silly cell charges.
Now, if there is a 3G version, I might also consider it but for me, nah, I am always on wifi when I want to talk. When I am not on wifi, I don't want to talk.
I see this going the way of the iPad, WiFi only model, then some sort of enhanced model with 3G/4G.
There will be people who will buy them, unless they are enhancing the iPod Touch to turn into a phone with limated abilities?
Why not just make one model, keep it simple, and let those who decide they want to activate it, buy a SIM card and phone plan. Let's face it, the iPhone and iPod touch are nearly the same price minus the Data and Voice Plans.
There will be people who will buy them, unless they are enhancing the iPod Touch to turn into a phone with limated abilities?
Why not just make one model, keep it simple, and let those who decide they want to activate it, buy a SIM card and phone plan. Let's face it, the iPhone and iPod touch are nearly the same price minus the Data and Voice Plans.
Only because of carrier subsidization. Out of contract an iPhone costs a lot more than an iPod touch.
I've been thinking seriously about retiring my iPhone 3GS and just going with an iPod Touch. (Hardly phone anyone; I've got a free phone at work and I use VOIP at home - so what's the point in paying for phone service for the iPhone?)
If Apple does come out with a 3G version of the Touch, that will push me over the edge. *fingers crossed*
If Apple does come out with a 3G version of the Touch, that will push me over the edge. *fingers crossed*
Those of you who are concerned about a 3g ipod touch cannibalizing iPhone sales need to remember this will also be adopted by some who currently use android-based and other phones. So, while iPhone sales may go down a bit because of this, so will sales of competitor phones.
rollover, the ripoff
I totally agree, I have thousands of rollover minutes that I will never touch. Yet ATT keeps me locked in a bit because if I wanted to lower my monthly payment I would have to forfeit the rollver minutes. Total crap. ATT should let us use our rollover as credit towards the bill, that would make me happy.
I totally agree, I have thousands of rollover minutes that I will never touch. Yet ATT keeps me locked in a bit because if I wanted to lower my monthly payment I would have to forfeit the rollver minutes. Total crap. ATT should let us use our rollover as credit towards the bill, that would make me happy.
imagine in this magical world all mobile companies shared their networks and only fought best customer service and lowest possible price? what a thought
Good alternative
My wife and I pay $65/month for voice and messaging - taxes included. I don't want to give that plan up. Getting a voice plan with data would greatly increase our costs. I would gladly carry 2 devices. My voice only phone is tiny.
Right now I have a smartphone that I got off of ebay and only use wifi. Every once in a while it would be nice to have a data plan; a 3g touch with no contract might fit the bill.
My wife and I pay $65/month for voice and messaging - taxes included. I don't want to give that plan up. Getting a voice plan with data would greatly increase our costs. I would gladly carry 2 devices. My voice only phone is tiny.
Right now I have a smartphone that I got off of ebay and only use wifi. Every once in a while it would be nice to have a data plan; a 3g touch with no contract might fit the bill.
We have wifi at a few such places too...but they far and wide, so they're not dependable as a wifi source. The only place that really cater to you if you want to lounge around is Starbucks. And I guess also Borders and B&N, but they are closing their stores, so now there's less wifi spots. It makes no sense to me that the downtown area has no public wifi spots, except for the public library, and they shut it down when the library closes.
If Apple releases a 3G iPod touch I'll upgrade from my 4th gen. A month to month data plan would be welcome.
Yeah, I'm sure that's exactly what Apple wants
And exactly why they won't do it. At least not right now. Why would Apple want you to buy two iPod Touches instead of their much higher margin iPhones??