Why I bought an iPod touch and not an iPhone
Posted by Dennis Sellers 
Sep 30, 2008 at 7:13am
I’ve purchased a new iPod touch (I’ll have a complete review coming soon), but still haven’t splurged for an iPhone, though I’m tempted to do so. So why haven’t I taken the plunge?
Two reasons. One: I’m very bad at misplacing and/or dropping my cell phone. I usually manage to locate my inexpensive, no-frills model, but if I lost it, I wouldn’t be too upset. However, if I lost a communications device that cost me 200 bucks I’d be very, very upset.
Reason number two (and the main one): the AT&T service is simply crappy in my neck of the woods. I use Verizon, and if I could use an iPhone with that carrier, I’d make the move.
There’s a rumor that the iPhone heading to EVDO/Verizon next year. The 9to5 Mac site says that, according to one of their sources, Apple will be announcing iPhones for Verizon Wireless in 2009, perhaps as early Macworld 2009. If I remember correctly, Apple is under exclusive contract with AT&T until at least 2010, so I’m dubious of the Apple/Verizon connection.
I hope I’m wrong, and that it happens. But for now I’m simply unwilling to fork out the dough for AT&T’s pricey coverage, which is spotty at best where I live.
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Ed Says:
Nice article. One question, however: if you’re concerned about misplacing your cell phone--presumedly something you would use almost constantly, wouldn’t you be more likely to misplace an iPod?
Of course, it’s all a moot point if AT&T;service is, as you say, crappy in your area.
Posted on September 30, 2008
Dennis Sellers Says:
Ed, I see how my statement might be confusing. Here’s the deal: I carry my cell phone to all the sporting events in which I play/coach. I can’t hold onto the phone while I’m playing ball, so it inevitably ends up in someone’s bag, on a bench, etc., “hiding” from me. That’s why I don’t carry my iPod with me to such events; I’m afraid I’ll lose it.
Posted on September 30, 2008
bousozoku Says:
I wanted an iPhone but I can’t get past being locked into AT&T;and their pathetic network, so when the money is ready, I’ll have an iPod touch, also.
Posted on September 30, 2008
Charles Says:
I am on my second week with the new Touch. This thing is absolutely amazing. I have never been this satisfied with an electronic device purchase. I opted for the Touch over the iPhone (which I REALLY REALLY wanted), because I can not bring myself to hand over that much money to AT&T;every month. I understand the whole smartphone data plan thing, but I just can’t do it. Not now anyway. But back to the Touch, did I say this thing is absolutely amazing? Yes I did, and it is worth repeating.
Posted on September 30, 2008
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Dennis Sellers
Dennis has been a newspaper editor/reporter (seven years) and teacher (seven years). He has over 4,000 magazine, newspaper and online articles to his credit. He has also covered the Mac and tech industries for over a decade for such online publications as MacCentral, MacMinute and now MacsimumNews.
blacky Says:
Dennis,
I too have held off on getting an iphone. Last year i bought an ipod touch because it seemed like an iphone without the phone. I was of the mind that having one device would present a problem in terms of battery life. As it turned out, it was an issue. When Apple offered the first set of upgraded apps to the ipod Touch I was thrilled. Now I could send and receive email and use google maps. During the recent update, I again decided to opt for the ipod Touch. This time because it had bluetooth built in and now offers an input for voice (via the microphone on the earset). I am really hoping that a legit VOIP app will make its way onto the ipod touch. Another reason I didn’t buy an iphone was the price of the monthly cel plan. I live in Canada and it would cost me in the vicinity of $125/month. I think that if the plan were $65/month for cel and data, I would have bought the iphone 3G. The cost is prohibitive.
I love using the ipod Touch and recommend it to all my friends. I have been using it since day 1 and it is now over a year for me. I find wi-fi very accessible and I can ‘check in’ at my convenience. I have the least expensive model of cel phone as well. With a basic plan. Both devices work perfectly into my lifestyle.
Posted on September 30, 2008