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iPod Touch for internet use

TSE said:
I might just go with a cell phone and a 10" asus EEEPC, because the main reason why I wanted a touch was to sell my ipod mini and then replace the ipod with the touch and than download that phone thing on it so i can use it as a normal phone via wifi, but I don't know how to do that.
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Download that phone thing...? Are you talking about VOIP? If so, you can only do that by jailbreaking, and even then you'll need an external mic (the ipod touch doesn't have one). And even then, of course, it will only work when you're near wifi, so it really can't replace a cell phone.

If all that is Ok with you, then go for it. IMO it's more trouble than it's worth for the limited phone functionality, but that's just me.

I would still go for the touch, if I were you. If you get the eee then you'll have that, a cell phone, and an ipod to carry around. The touch might not condense it all down to 1 device (the way an iphone would), but it will at least be only 2 devices.

I love me some simplicity. :)
 
How about just getting an iPhone :) it's more expensive with the monthly plan, but then you'll have phone and always on internet.
Then you can also toss your old phone away :)
 
I think that surfing with the touch/iphone is pretty good once your finger learns how to use the UI and cut down on accidental clicks (give it a week). I find myself preferring to surf with the iPhone in bed or sitting on the couch than awkwardly reaching or putting my notebook on my lap.

On the other hand, if you like having tons of tabs opened or you find yourself on large webpages with lots of information (like online stores) then the tiny screen and resolution will become frustrating to use. Also the Touch is expensive and I wouldn't expect a whole lot from the refresh this month. Perhaps volume buttons?
 
I would want an iPhone, but I heard it costs money to use internet on it and the contract rates are a LOT of money. Is there a website that shows the contract rates?
 
Just go to att.com, you can check the rates there. But you can count on paying about $30 more a month for an iPhone data plan, on top of whatever voice plan you want.

If you need an iPod anyway, and would just like an alternative internet device for chatting and a little web surfing, the iPod Touch is a great device. You can chat with your girl on FaceBook while you're on the can, what's better than that? The iPod Touch has a GREAT mobile browser, but of course all mobile browsers are slower and limited to varying degrees compared to a regular computer.

Wait until Tuesday, you'll probably be able to get the new 16GB iPod Touch for $299 (my guess), or get a first gen 8GB iPod Touch on EBay for much cheaper (they should be well under $200 once the new iPods come out.) If you main computer is a G3 iMac, then perhaps you are on a budget and would like to go that route. Actually, if that G3 iMac works fine for your needs, you can find those locally on Craigslist for 20 or 30 dollars sometimes.

A netbook is fine too, but at some point you gotta stop somewhere. Next thing you know someone will chime in and suggest a better notebook because netbooks are underpowered, etc.

You have to figure out what combination of form factor/features/price is ultimately best for you.
 
My main computer is an iMac G3, but I do have an iMac G5 downstairs that my parents own (I am only 15 so i'm not a moocher! :D)

The MacBook Pro is overkill for me and my dad wants to buy it from me because he just got a new IT job and needs a new laptop. Since he is my dad and everything and I paid for this by myself already and have it paid off, I am willing to sell it to him for $1100
 
does anybody else think it is annoying to change the volume slider? i hear they are putting physical volume controls on the new model though.
 
TSE said:
My main computer is an iMac G3, but I do have an iMac G5 downstairs that my parents own (I am only 15 so i'm not a moocher! :D)

The MacBook Pro is overkill for me and my dad wants to buy it from me because he just got a new IT job and needs a new laptop. Since he is my dad and everything and I paid for this by myself already and have it paid off, I am willing to sell it to him for $1100
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dude...tell your dad its not nice to rip off 15 year olds. tell him to pay you what its worth or to get his own! 15" or 17"?
 
Eric S. said:
Yes, it has been prominently mentioned in this thread. Apple (i.e., Jobs) wanted to stretch the touch interface to cover just about every capability of the device, but in this case it doesn't work very well.
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i wasn't talking about your little whine session about how many actions it takes to get to volume controls, i am talking about the actual sliding motion of the volume bar, i think the pad for your finger is too small, and i normally miss it the 1st and 2nd time i try to drag it.

I think the volume slider should be as tall as the 'slide to unlock' button.
 
Rtb1 said:
i wasn't talking about your little whine session about how many actions it takes to get to volume controls, i am talking about the actual sliding motion of the volume bar, i think the pad for your finger is too small, and i normally miss it the 1st and 2nd time i try to drag it.

I think the volume slider should be as tall as the 'slide to unlock' button.
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Pot. Kettle. Black.
 
TSE said:
I have a couple more questions:

Can it play Hulu.com?

I heard of a way to use it as a phone over the internet for free so I can call other people's houses and stuff, is this true? And how?
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Well, not for free. IIRC, If you jailbreak your 'Pod, buy an external mic, and download the VoIP app, you can use VoIP credits where you have internet.

If Hulu is written in flash, silverlight, or some other exotic third party scripting language, then no. If it's just internet streams, then yes, probably.

winninganthem said:
Jailbreaking your iPod Touch does not harm your device in any way.

At the very worst, if something goes wrong, you can restore the iPod back to factory settings and it will work with no problems.

And I would say that for the price you're paying for an iPod Touch I would buy an eeePC instead. The Touch is a high priced item and if it didn't come with my computer I wouldn't ever buy it with my own money.
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With the new firmware, 2.0, the only way to jailbreak is by using pwnage. The pwnage tool writes over the standard iPod firmware, so if the process is interrupted, the iPod may be bricked for good. That said, many people have used the pwnage tool without problems.

I will buy it. The Touch fits my needs as a portable music/video player, pda-like device, and web browser, and has room for expansion with the app store. You can bet that as a dedicated music device (sort of), it will consume far less power and have longer battery life than an EeePC. Also, because of it's similarity to the iphone and its popularity in general, I will enjoy the knowledge that there will be huge third party support for my Touch for a long time.

J&JPolangin said:
All in all, they are expensive for what you get but its all about convenience in your shirt pocket.
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Precisely.
 
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