IPod or cell with data plan-which is better?

[frannn]

My birthday is Sunday, and DH has been looking for hints. I'm not sure whether an Ipod or upgraded Sprint cell plan would be a better option for what I'm interested in. Maybe someone familiar with both can help. I'm not crazy into music, but have a few cds I really like. I love tv/movies, so would download some and would love tv access. I also love reading, so ebook capability would be great, but I probably wouldn't want to spend 10+ on each new ebook. A calendar/scheduling type thing would be great, so I could keep our ADR #'s for our Sept trip. Internet access would be great. Right now we have a talk/text cell plan. It would cost an additional 30-ish for both DH and I to add Sprint data to our plan. (We may still do this regardless). An Ipod would cost about 170 for an 8gb. We don't want ATT, so an Iphone is out. Any thoughts?

 

[benolathe]

Not sure what iPod you are considering, but I really like my iPod Touch. It is a great little organizer - all my contacts and calendar info is with me at all times. I actually use the MobileMe service so that the info is kept current between my MacBook and iPod. But you can sync the info using Outlook on a Windows-based PC or use Google services to sync. A huge advantage to the iPod Touch is all of the Apps that are available through the iTunes App Store. One of my favorite things is having a Dictionary in my hands so that we can look up the definition of any word at any time. And anywhere that there is WiFi access, you can get on the internet.

And I do have the Instinct phone with Sprint and the data plan. Yes, that is nice but really like having all the other info separate from my cell phone - if for no other reason than I would be hestitant to use the "extra features" of a phone because it would just run the battery down very quickly during the day. Normally, I just charge my phone overnight, not during the day also.