I'm after some of your peoples opinions please to help me decide which way to go...
I've decided that I need some kind of mobile internet device. I'm on holiday in Scotland soon and think having internet access whilst away from home would be very beneficial.
The reason I don't already have it is because I know that cheap is not always cheerful....and I can't afford anything other than cheap.
Mobile phone contracts are not worth considering. I rarely use my mobile and spend probably about £5 a month at the most on a Tesco pay as you go device.
Whilst 3G would be nice, I think we can get by okay using WiFi. It would be a costly luxury.
Weighing up my options, I've come to a bit of a 50/50 dilemma and am looking for your opinions.
HTC Wildfire (Pay-as-you-go without the 3G internet access) OR an 8gb iPod Touch whilst sticking with my cheap phone (which is perfect for my job in which a smart phone would just get wrecked)
The Wildfire would be about £130 and the iPod Touch would be about £160
I'd go with the iPod. Firstly you say you don't use the phone much. Secondly, you're phone works fine. Thirdly, you wouldn't use the 3G Internet on the HTC anyway. Fourthly(?), the iOS device has a great ecosystem. :)
i'm with dangelus. ipod seems the way to go.
I'm guessing from your post you want to browse the internet, check your email/twitter/FB and all that right? iPod touch is the superior choice IMO. Even has a nice ecosystem of apps to choose from.
Most people usually do the iPod touch + Cheap phone method. (That is, if they want a mobile device) The major downside is really just having two devices carrying around, but you seem ok with that. So unless you dislike iTunes, I'd go the iPod route.
King
The more I've been thinking about it, the more inclined I am to agree with all of the above replies.
I already use an 80gb Classic which has all of my podcast feeds and my entire music collection on. It would make sense just to use the Touch in conjunction with the iTunes library and account that I already have set up.
My classic is on last legs also and it would be nice to have a back up to that. No audio comes through devices plugged into the Classic's bottom plug socket. Headphones and speaker docks have to use the headphone socket. Also the battery now lasts less than 5 minutes. I have to use a plug in pack that allows me to use 4x AA batteries so I can listen to the iPod all day.
The only negative is that 80gb is just perfect for my current music collection. If it packs up and I resort to using the 8gb Touch....how will I decided which 10% to keep and which 90% to drop....but aren't the larger memory ones expensive!!! :)
I'm really hoping Apple announces an iPod with a giant hardrive at their next event, because I agree with what you said. My iPhone can't handle all my audio so I keep about 80% of it on it and the rest on the PC.
King
Quote from: KingIsaacLinksr on August 13, 2011, 10:05:22 AM
I'm really hoping Apple announces an iPod with a giant hardrive at their next event, because I agree with what you said. My iPhone can't handle all my audio so I keep about 80% of it on it and the rest on the PC.
King
I doubt hard drive sizes on iOS devices will get much bigger. Apple will want people to use iCloud for storage instead.
Quote from: Dangelus on August 13, 2011, 12:15:11 PM
Quote from: KingIsaacLinksr on August 13, 2011, 10:05:22 AM
I'm really hoping Apple announces an iPod with a giant hardrive at their next event, because I agree with what you said. My iPhone can't handle all my audio so I keep about 80% of it on it and the rest on the PC.
King
I doubt hard drive sizes on iOS devices will get much bigger. Apple will want people to use iCloud for storage instead.
That's great and all, but without a streaming option...well.
King
Thats why I really begrudge switching off the Classic. I hope there's always a place for the Classic...
Just as an aside, Tim, why on Earth do you need to have that much audio with you all the time?! I mean really?
Quote from: Bryancd on August 13, 2011, 01:30:54 PM
Just as an aside, Tim, why on Earth do you need to have that much audio with you all the time?! I mean really?
Convenience more than anything. My Library is rather big from years and years of collecting music and sometimes I like to hit the shuffle button to hear stuff I haven't heard in a while. And my internet isn't exactly reliable. Nor is depending on Wifi in my current situation as there is hardly any around here. And what is around is run by the same terrible company so...and also, I would like to keep my video on my iPhone/Pad but current storage capacity makes that difficult. A bigger hardrive would alleviate this. Actually, I might just want a bigger HD on the iPad...*shrugs*
My attitude will probably change when I move out of my hometown and iCloud + iOS 5.0 is released.
King
I'm the same. I used to drive around with hundreds of CD's in wallets scattered in various car compartments. No matter how many you have, you always wish you had something else. Having it all in one place is so easy.
Anything I fancy I can select. Or a random shuffle is always fun
Quote from: ori-STUDFARM on August 13, 2011, 04:21:13 PM
I'm the same. I used to drive around with hundreds of CD's in wallets scattered in various car compartments. No matter how many you have, you always wish you had something else. Having it all in one place is so easy.
Anything I fancy I can select. Or a random shuffle is always fun
I have over 2k songs on my player, I have more song and I can get more automatically from Zune where ever there is wifi. I don't need more than 16 for anything
I just went through this dilemma, and I went with the iTouch.
I love it, it's great, but I do seem to eat the batteries up pretty quickly. I am going to get a charger for my car, and hopefully that will do the trick.
It's a great device and I'm glad to join the 21st century and finally have a smart device.
Also the little tricorder app is cool!
Quote from: X on August 13, 2011, 06:43:46 PM
Quote from: ori-STUDFARM on August 13, 2011, 04:21:13 PM
I'm the same. I used to drive around with hundreds of CD's in wallets scattered in various car compartments. No matter how many you have, you always wish you had something else. Having it all in one place is so easy.
Anything I fancy I can select. Or a random shuffle is always fun
I have over 2k songs on my player, I have more song and I can get more automatically from Zune where ever there is wifi. I don't need more than 16 for anything
I have almost 3K songs and 17.50 GB total of music. So the 16GB would no longer work for my entire library, forgetting that I have audiobooks and podcasts as well.
King
Quote from: JeffM on August 13, 2011, 06:46:12 PM
I just went through this dilemma, and I went with the iTouch.
I love it, it's great, but I do seem to eat the batteries up pretty quickly. I am going to get a charger for my car, and hopefully that will do the trick.
It's a great device and I'm glad to join the 21st century and finally have a smart device.
Also the little tricorder app is cool!
There I'm sorted. I seem to have every charging gadget going for the Classic I currently use which has a battery life of about 400 seconds. Including car FM Transmitter/chargers, mains chargers.....even use the USB port on the back of the Wii when hooking the ipod Classic up to the TV to watch the various shows I put onto it.
It's a bit bulky, but the handiest of these items is the AA battery pack. I use AA rechargables and it fits (just) in my works overall pocket alongside the Classic.
There is a Battery pack which a friend of mine got off ebay which massively extends his Iphone/ipod life in regards to power. Also it can charge just the same, when the internal battery is depleted the rechagerable battery pack kicks in. He know loves it as that was he main gripe, well that and no flash.
You may be wise to consider waiting, because the rumors are that the iPod announcement coming up in September will be new models with 3G access to the internet, itunes, and the app store (including the iCloud service of course) with a no-contract option similar to the way people pay for 3G on their iPads now.
Quote from: stonut on August 15, 2011, 10:13:18 AM
There is a Battery pack which a friend of mine got off ebay which massively extends his Iphone/ipod life in regards to power. Also it can charge just the same, when the internal battery is depleted the rechagerable battery pack kicks in. He know loves it as that was he main gripe, well that and no flash.
Thats my only problem with iPods in general. It would be easy to have a removable back to replace batteries or add SD cards for extended storage....but Apple have avoided all of that. Yeah, you can buy spares and take it apart to solder in a new battery....but it isn't recommended, voids warranties and is, basically, a pain in the posterior.
I can see exactly why they've done it from a sales and marketing point of view. I just think it's a shame that they have done it this way. Ho-hum! :)
Quote from: Jobydrone4of20 on August 15, 2011, 11:18:34 AM
You may be wise to consider waiting, because the rumors are that the iPod announcement coming up in September will be new models with 3G access to the internet, itunes, and the app store (including the iCloud service of course) with a no-contract option similar to the way people pay for 3G on their iPads now.
Too late. I'm away up Scotland later this week and wanted to have mobile internet for the trip. In fairness though, Apple always seem to be having new products released. I'd be waiting forever :)
Plus, I wouldn't be able to afford it probably. I'm always a year or two behind the proper tech junkies...
....next month I may get a pager :P
Quote from: Jobydrone4of20 on August 15, 2011, 11:18:34 AM
You may be wise to consider waiting, because the rumors are that the iPod announcement coming up in September will be new models with 3G access to the internet, itunes, and the app store (including the iCloud service of course) with a no-contract option similar to the way people pay for 3G on their iPads now.
I have my doubts iPods will ever get 3G access like the iPad (or iPhone) does. They predicted it last year (but nothing came of it) and I don't see it happening this year. The problem with 3G is that you need the antenna, chip and power supply to power the sucker which would force the iPod touch to basically become an iPhone in form and function thus making it pointless and etc. It would be great if the iPhone didn't require a contract, but on the other hand it would be pretty spendy so I wouldn't hold your breath for a 3G enabled iPod touch or any other iPods.
The iPad is the exception because its so huge (in comparison) and it works for that device.
King
We'll know in a month or so.
I can imagine a 3G iPod touch would be quickly jailbroken and turned into a cheap(er) iPhone.
I don't see the advantage for Apple in doing this. Besides wouldn't it be easier to offer off contract iPhones?
I can see them doing it. We keep hearing how the iCloud is the future. It's a way of tapping that market before somebody else does.
I know it was mentioned before and never surfaced, but thats just Apples way. Look how long it was before they addressed the issue with their camera resolution....and thats still got a long way to gobefore it's considered as good as they can do...
I think it makes perfect sense given the new iCloud. Why lock out the tens of millions of iPod users as potential customers for that service? There's no downside.
Quote from: Jobydrone4of20 on August 16, 2011, 06:29:18 AM
I think it makes perfect sense given the new iCloud. Why lock out the tens of millions of iPod users as potential customers for that service? There's no downside.
You don't need 3G for iCloud. Realistically, using iCloud over 3G is pretty expensive considering music file sizes. Now, adding wifi sure, I could see that coming to the entire iPod setup except the shuffle which is way too small and lacks a screen to be usable in that situation. (unless they change it again). So I agree that iTunes and iCloud could be coming go the entire new iPod setup this year (exempting the shuffle), but 3G? Not likely as for reasons stated above.
King
Unless they do some kind of deal with the mobile service providers which enables them to cover unlimited 3G with a monthly subscription or something?
They wouldn't do unlimited. I'm sure it'd be similar to the current contract-free plans for the iPad.
iPod touch for sure.... have you checked the Apple store /refurbished apple product. Many times i purchase kit from there mostly new store returns and you save $$$$. Where are you taking a Holiday in Scotland, my wife is from Glasgow and her family has a home on the Isle of Skye.... one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Cheers
Marko
Quote from: ori-STUDFARM on August 16, 2011, 10:45:08 AM
Unless they do some kind of deal with the mobile service providers which enables them to cover unlimited 3G with a monthly subscription or something?
Right, because the carriers have been so generous with their services as of late..... ;) (sorry, had to say it)
Incredibly unlikely, and tbh, if Apple even tried to do that, I wish they would force them to give us unlimited data plans for our iPhone/Pads back. I find it ludicrous to be spending $25 a month on a 2GB slow internet service. But, that is my opinion....
However, they jack up the prices for 4G and I'll never bother with an LTE iPhone. My Phone bill is expensive enough.
King
Quote from: KingIsaacLinksr on August 16, 2011, 11:04:11 AM
Right, because the carriers have been so generous with their services as of late..... ;) (sorry, had to say it)
Because, of course, they're charities and therefore need to give us unlimited access regardless of the cost to them ;)
I'm on the iPod front, I just can't see the point of buying a Wildfire to use less than 60% of its capabilities.
Quote from: MARKO on August 16, 2011, 10:55:04 AM
iPod touch for sure.... have you checked the Apple store /refurbished apple product. Many times i purchase kit from there mostly new store returns and you save $$$$. Where are you taking a Holiday in Scotland, my wife is from Glasgow and her family has a home on the Isle of Skye.... one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Cheers
Marko
We're back now. Slightly frustrating at times not having a wifi connection, but it was more than workable....and not iritating enough to justify a 3G contract :)
@Marko. We covered a massive area of Scotland. The most part was spent on a caravan site in Wemyss Bay opposite the Isle Of Bute. Not a great site and very little to actually do in Wemyss Bay, but some of the surrounding villages and towns were spectacular.
We then travelled across (and up a fair way...) to Inverness for a couple of days travelling via Fort William and Loch Lommond, Loch Ness etc...
Nice to see Benn Nevis and the Commando memorial...but the views as we drove along Loch Lommond. Amazingly stunningly breathtaking!! If anyone says anywhere in the UK is equal to the beauty of Loch Lommond, I'll call them a liar!! (I want to go here for a nice relaxing holiday now)
After Inverness we went to stay at my sisters in North Shields stopping off for a couple of hours at the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh. Loved Edinburgh, even if it was raining constantly...but near my sisters was so nice too. We went as far as looking at property prices...
Pretty much covered a large chunk of Scotland. Still have the northern tips and Glasgow to do.....Prior to this, I'd only ever been to Gretna Green!! :)
http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/01/windows-phone-7-hack/ (http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/01/windows-phone-7-hack/)
Quote from: X on September 02, 2011, 11:10:16 PM
http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/01/windows-phone-7-hack/ (http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/01/windows-phone-7-hack/)
And I thought I was derailing threads today :P
King
Ah what's a little de railing between friends