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Gadget

iPhone or iPod Touch, Which One Should You Choose?

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The iPhone and iPod touch are nearly identical in outward appearance, have the same touch screen interface, and go many of the same functions. The key difference between the two is obvious: one has a phone and the other doesn’t. But, here are additional vital differences which this article will describe. But first, the similarities.

Similarities

As you can tell by looking at the photos of the devices, they are nearly identical in size and shape. In addendum, they both have a touch screen interface and built-in Wi-Fi capability. With the iPhone 2.0 software update, they share many of the same applications including the Safari Web browser, Contacts, Calendar, Photo, YouTube, Mail, Stocks, Maps, Weather, Clock, Calculator, Notes, Settings, iTunes, and App Store.

Both devices have the ability to download and play music and video, but these apps are located in different places. For example, the iPhone has an iPod icon on the bottom menu bar (Fig. 1). You tap on that to access music and video playback functionality. The menu bar on the iPod touch has separate icons for Music, Videos, Photos, and iTunes (Fig. 2).

Software Differences

The iPhone

The iPhone has more functionality than the iPod touch, which includes its phone, camera, and Bluetooth wireless capability. Because of this, it has additional built-in programs to support that functionality which include phone, camera and text. In addendum, the program icons are arranged differently on the iPhone’s Home screen than they are on the touch. The menu bar at the bottom of the iPhone’s screen contains icons for Phone, Mail, Safari, and iPod (figure above)

The iPod Touch

The iPod touch is a multimedia device all ears on playing music and videos. Its bottom menu bar has icons for Music, Videos, Photos, and iTunes (Figure not more than).

If you have one of the original versions of the touch without the iPhone 2.0 software upgrade, you can hold and download it from iTunes for $9.95, which includes the apps mentioned above as well as those mentioned for the iPhone 3G.

Hardware Differences

Externally, the touch is thinner than the iPhone at .31 inches (the iPhone is .48 inches) and is slightly lighter at 4.2 ounces (the iPhone is 4.7 ounces). It also measures slightly less in height and slightly more in width than the iPhone. The iPhone and iPod touch also differ in some other hardware features. Camera: The iPhone has a camera, with the gap located on the back of the device in the top left-hand corner. The touch does not have a camera.

External volume buttons: The iPhone has volume control buttons located along the left edge of the device. The touch does not have external volume buttons—the volume can only be controlled on the touch screen. External speakers: The iPhone has external speakers on the bottom of the device; the touch has none. Bluetooth port: The iPhone has Bluetooth 2.0 capability, allowing you to use wireless Bluetooth headphones and other accessories. The touch does not have Bluetooth. Headphone jack: Both devices have a 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack. The iPhone’s jack is on the top left edge of the device. (Note: the first-generation iPhone’s jack is lower-level about 1/8″ into the case. You may have to hold an adapter to use standard third-party headsets.) The iPod touch’s jack is on the bottom right edge of the device.

Audio/video playback time: The iPhone’s playback time is rated at 24 hours for audio and 7 hours for video. The touch is rated at 22 hours for audio and 5 hours for video. Storage capacity: The iPhone and iPod touch have internal

microdrives for storage of music, videos, and other info. The original iPhone and the iPod touch are available in versions with different storage capacities: 8 GB, 16 GB, and 32 GB. The new iPhone 3G comes with either 8 GB or 16 GB capacities.

Pricing

The original iPhone is no longer available through Apple or AT&T, but may still be available through other online sources. The iPhone 3G is available from Apple and AT&T retail stores. Prices are as follows: 8 GB version ($199) and 16 GB version ($299).

The iPod touch is available frankly from Apple’s online store (store.apple.com). Prices for the touch are as follows: 8 GB version ($299), 16 GB version ($399), or 32 GB version ($499).

Which One Must You Choose

The iPhone and iPod touch are very similar in appearance, have many of the same hardware features, and run many of the same applications. You can listen to music and watch videos on either one, as well as access the Internet via a Wi-Fi connection, run Web apps, check your e-mail, get maps, and check information about stocks, weather, and more.

The iPhone has additional capabilities. You can make phone calls, send text messages, take pictures, and connect to and browse the Internet without a Wi-Fi connection. In addendum, the iPhone 3G has builtin GPS capability that is supported by the Maps application.

If all you want is a versatile media player with Wi-Fi capability to connect you to the Web, the iPod touch is for you. It will cost you more initially, but you won’t be paying a monthly fee for phone benefit. If you want a powerful media player, Web browser, and mobile phone in one device, drop by an Apple or AT&T store near you and check out the iPhone.