Need help from the I phone/touch Dissers...

[spokanemom]

I think I am ready to take the plunge. I have a regular ol' cell phone. I can get internet on it, but pay for each gig that I use. I have not purchased an add on for the internet in my cell phone package. Nor, do I want to. I do not own a laptop. I am pretty much living in the dark ages according to my 13 yo.

So. I am thinking of what to purchase but need some feedback from those in the know. I don't really want to ask sales people because they will just push the item that they are selling. I have 3 choices, but am not sure which to choose and what would be the pros/cons of each choice. Please help. I don't want to spend money on a mistake. I did that once, but we are divorced now.

Netbook; $250ish.
ITouch 16GB; $279
IPhone 8GB 3s; $99
IPhone 16GB 3gs; $199

Now, on to what I am thinking. I can be wrong. It is known to have happened. Once.

Netbook. I will have to pack it around. Although, not big, it will certainly not fit in my pocket. It is just a choice. I don't know what the pros would be on this.

ITouch. I have no problems with carrying a phone & Ipod that are not the same. I do it now. It is not a big deal. If one thing breaks, I am not dead in the water. I still have something that works.

IPhone. Cell/music/movies are together. Less to carry. I do NOT want to pay for internet. I am not sure this is an option. If free wi-fi is not available in the area that I am in, does the IPhone tell you that you will be paying for what you use or what happens in this situation?

If I can't get free wi-fi, I don't really need to get on the internet. I already pay a fortune for phone/cable/internet/cell phones. I don't want to increase what I am paying for in bills each month. I have vacations to pay for!

Have I thought all this out? Am I making sense? Have you quit reading because I wrote too much? If you are still with me, thank you. Now, quit reading, and help me...

Thanks!

 

[jcb]

I can't answer all of your questions but here are my thoughts. I carry a laptop and an iPhone (and an iPod).

If you already have a computer (especially a laptop), I would not get the netbook if you are thinking it can be used on the fly. On the other hand, if you only want something that can be used where there is wi-fi, it might be a good option.

I don't think the iPhone is offered without a wireless data plan. It is $30 a month. Note also that the $99 phone is 3G (the "old" one) and it is the $199 iPhone that is 3GS (the new one).

The one I can't answer is the iTouch. It may be your best option but I have never used or owned one.

Oh and, great line:

I don't want to spend money on a mistake. I did that once, but we are divorced now.

 

[dgthree]

I don't think you can get an iPhone without a data plan.

I have an iTouch, and love it. It's replaced my need to carry a pda and an mp3 player, so it's saved a little room in my purse. And I love the reader apps, and having books always ready to read. Yes, I do wish I could get on the internet in places where there's no wi-fi (like my office, where lots of what I want to see is firewalled), but not enough that I'm willing to pay for a data plan just for that purpose. I have used my Touch with a wi-fi connection at home, and in public places that have free wi-fi, like Panera, and it works well.

 

[dgthree]

oh, and I skipped right over the netbook. Um. My dad bought one, and I got to play with it first. They're nice. You get to see the whole screen on web sites, as opposed to the 'mobile' edition that defaults when you're browsing on the Touch. If your web surfing involves a lot of typing, the keyboard is way easier to use. Does that make sense?
So if it's an either/or scenario, I guess it really depends on what type of web browsing you need to be doing.

Gee... have I helped any, or just rambled? Hopefully I helped, if only just a tiny bit. =)

 

[yitbos96bb]

Iphones require a data package. It's $30 a month for unlimited data... I cut back on my Dish package to pay the $30. You could also do a Family plan if your 13yr old has a cell. This will save some money.

IMHO, Iphone/ITouch and Netbooks are two very seperate items. It really depends on WHY you want these items. Are you looking to use it on Vacation? At a coffee Shop?

If you are dead set against paying for a data package, that would cut the iPhone out.

Once you can say where and how you want to use the device, the answer is much easier. If you ware going to be using it for a few hours at a time, sitting down, then a Netbook is the way to go. If you are only going to use it for a few minutes at a time and want to listen to music or watch a movie, then I'd go with a touch.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2213411

If you do decide the $30 a month is an expense you can afford, check out this link above. It tells how to get 35% back for purchasing an Iphone from the AT & T store. I sold my 16gb 3G phone on Ebay, and with this bought the new 32GB model and made a $100 in profit.

I think I am ready to take the plunge. I have a regular ol' cell phone. I can get internet on it, but pay for each gig that I use. I have not purchased an add on for the internet in my cell phone package. Nor, do I want to. I do not own a laptop. I am pretty much living in the dark ages according to my 13 yo.

So. I am thinking of what to purchase but need some feedback from those in the know. I don't really want to ask sales people because they will just push the item that they are selling. I have 3 choices, but am not sure which to choose and what would be the pros/cons of each choice. Please help. I don't want to spend money on a mistake. I did that once, but we are divorced now.

Netbook; $250ish.
ITouch 16GB; $279
IPhone 8GB 3s; $99
IPhone 16GB 3gs; $199

Now, on to what I am thinking. I can be wrong. It is known to have happened. Once.

Netbook. I will have to pack it around. Although, not big, it will certainly not fit in my pocket. It is just a choice. I don't know what the pros would be on this.

ITouch. I have no problems with carrying a phone & Ipod that are not the same. I do it now. It is not a big deal. If one thing breaks, I am not dead in the water. I still have something that works.

IPhone. Cell/music/movies are together. Less to carry. I do NOT want to pay for internet. I am not sure this is an option. If free wi-fi is not available in the area that I am in, does the IPhone tell you that you will be paying for what you use or what happens in this situation?

If I can't get free wi-fi, I don't really need to get on the internet. I already pay a fortune for phone/cable/internet/cell phones. I don't want to increase what I am paying for in bills each month. I have vacations to pay for!

Have I thought all this out? Am I making sense? Have you quit reading because I wrote too much? If you are still with me, thank you. Now, quit reading, and help me...

Thanks!

 

[Willow1213]

Since you cannot buy an iPhone without a monthly data plan, that option is out. Have you ever played with a netbook? We sell them right now and they are small. I can't deal with the keyboards. I don't why, but when I have actual keys, they need to be large enough for me. My wrists feel so cramped after using one. So for me, that option would be out. That leaves an iPod touch. My cousins have them and love them. They can do all of the app stuff that an iPhone can and you still have the great mobile web browsing, just only on WiFi. This option gets my vote (although I will point out that for the price difference, you could pay for 6 months of data on an iPhone, just saying ). Good luck to you!

 

[yitbos96bb]

Since you cannot buy an iPhone without a monthly data plan, that option is out. Have you ever played with a netbook? We sell them right now and they are small. I can't deal with the keyboards. I don't why, but when I have actual keys, they need to be large enough for me. My wrists feel so cramped after using one. So for me, that option would be out. That leaves an iPod touch. My cousins have them and love them. They can do all of the app stuff that an iPhone can and you still have the great mobile web browsing, just only on WiFi. This option gets my vote (although I will point out that for the price difference, you could pay for 6 months of data on an iPhone, just saying ). Good luck to you!

I would definately recommend going to a store like Best Buy and trying both out. There are many flavors of Netbooks. My wife has an Acer One, and I hate it due to the way the touchpad works, but I love ASUS EEE series. Also make sure you are comfortable with a touch or an iPhone.

Personally, if you can cut somewhere else to cover the $30 data plan, I'd go that route. iPhone is like a DVR... its a game changer. I don't think I can go to not having one again. I've used all kinds of smart phones.... Iphone is the best, IMHO.

 

[yitbos96bb]

Just as an FYI...

If you decide on the touch... Wait until September. V1 of the touch came out in September of 2007, and V2 came out in September of 2008.

And to further look at the pattern.... Iphone V2 was June 2008, Iphone V3 was June 2009....

So I'm betting on a new iPod touch with a Compass, Better Camera, and Video Cam app, will be coming in September, as well as Price breaks on the old equipment.

 

[spokanemom]

I KNEW you guys would have the info I needed! I REALLY don't want to add another bill to my plate. I have 15 yo son who just got his driver's permit. I will be adding insurance and probably getting a new car for me within the next year. I am fairly sure that my DH does not want to get another job in addition to the FT one that he currently has to support my shopping habits. He certainly doesn't want me getting another one either because he would have to be home with the boys...alone, with no one to mediate.

I am really leaning towards the ITouch. I want compact. I already carry a huge purse to house my camera, wallet, phone, keys, Diet Coke, etc. I don't need to add more and then actually have to carry luggage. I only have pink luggage and that certainly won't match everything I wear...

Now, do I *really* want to wait until September? I am going on a cruise in Sept and would like to have my purchase made and my learning curve done. Geez, now I have MORE thinking to do.

But thank you to all who helped with my decision. Do I owe any consulting fees?

 

[GBShorts]

Drat, I should have gotten in on this but my old friend Mike beat me to the punch! Hi Mike!

I had an iPod touch and just recently bought the iPhone (the new one last week). I love love love my iPod touch and that's why I moved to the phone...I was due for a new phone and didn't want to have to carry two items anymore.

That being said, since you are 1. fine with carrying 2 items, 2. not wanting to pay extra and 3. fine with wi-fi, the iPod touch is perfect for you. I had my touch for a couple of years before getting the phone and I will tell you that you might be surprised just how may places you can get online. Some towns even have free wi-fi in their downtown area, so if you choose to go to a coffee shop or something like that, you can get online. I have never minded the mobile versions of websites, in fact, I prefer them, simply because I don't have to zoom in to see what's going on on the screen and they load so much faster.

I would strongly suggest getting more memory than you think you could ever possibly need though. I got the 16GB touch when it came out and kicked myself because 2 months later they came out with the 32GB. From the day I got the 16GB it was full. Movies and Dis Unplugged podcasts really fill it up fast. Hahaha!

Best of luck to you, and enjoy your new toy!! My iPhone hasn't left my side since I got it last Friday!

ps-One added bonus, there is a free app for both iPod touch and iPhone called Textfree. If you get it, you can send a number of free texts per day using the wi-fi connection. If you wanted to have unlimited forever the app is a one-time $6 fee. It's fantastic, and then you don't have to pay for a texting plan for your phone (if you use it)...

 

[spokanemom]

I would strongly suggest getting more memory than you think you could ever possibly need though. I got the 16GB touch when it came out and kicked myself because 2 months later they came out with the 32GB. From the day I got the 16GB it was full. Movies and Dis Unplugged podcasts really fill it up fast. Hahaha!

ps-One added bonus, there is a free app for both iPod touch and iPhone called Textfree. If you get it, you can send a number of free texts per day using the wi-fi connection. If you wanted to have unlimited forever the app is a one-time $6 fee. It's fantastic, and then you don't have to pay for a texting plan for your phone (if you use it)...

Thanks SO much for your input. Very helpful. I know that I have added memory to several electronics that I have purchased thinking "I would NEVER use up that much memory for what I want to do." You have a very good point. I think I will check into the 32GB.

As far as the texting, we have a family unlimited texting package already and I know that my DS13 would *die* if I took that off! He would not be able to communicate with anyone... I am not sure if he realizes that his phone can actually make a PHONE call!

Again, thank you all for your help. Now, again, onto that whole Sept release thing...

 

[yitbos96bb]

Thanks SO much for your input. Very helpful. I know that I have added memory to several electronics that I have purchased thinking "I would NEVER use up that much memory for what I want to do." You have a very good point. I think I will check into the 32GB.

As far as the texting, we have a family unlimited texting package already and I know that my DS13 would *die* if I took that off! He would not be able to communicate with anyone... I am not sure if he realizes that his phone can actually make a PHONE call!

Again, thank you all for your help. Now, again, onto that whole Sept release thing...

Well, if Apple stickes to form, you may have a little bit of notice on what new features it will have. Usually, they are the Iphone without the phone.

There isn't much of a learning curve. Apple designs its products to have a simple interface... even if you have trouble, your kids will be able to easily help you out.

My guess is a 32 and 64GB model, with the 16 dropping to an entry level position. The newer ones will have probably be faster, have more memory. They should have the compass, which is a cool feature as it can orient apps in ways the GPS chip can't. It should have the 3MP camera with Video... I have heard the video is on a similiar quality to Flip Camcorders.

 

[Koren34]

We just upgraded our smartphones to the new iPhone last Friday and as a pp said, I don't think we can ever go back after having the iPhone. It's awesome. I would check out the cell plans that you currently have and then compare to a new plan. It may not be that different than what you pay now.

I bought our daughter the iPod touch and it's pretty cool too. I would rather have the phone that way I always have internet access regardless of any wifi access.

 

[Disneybridein2k3]

I KNEW you guys would have the info I needed! I REALLY don't want to add another bill to my plate. I have 15 yo son who just got his driver's permit. I will be adding insurance and probably getting a new car for me within the next year. I am fairly sure that my DH does not want to get another job in addition to the FT one that he currently has to support my shopping habits. He certainly doesn't want me getting another one either because he would have to be home with the boys...alone, with no one to mediate.

I have nothing to add regarding your options -- the experts here have spoken . However, I did want to add my .02 about your DS15. Make him pay for his own insurance. That way when he wrecks his car and the car insurance goes up, it will teach him a lesson. It worked with me when I was a kid My agent told me he was saving my butt but it was going to cost me $$$. Trust me - I was a lot more careful when the money was coming out of my pocket instead of my mom's. My poor 15 year old daughter has to put up with me (I handle auto accidents) and her dad, who is a cop. Bless her sweet little heart. So if your son complains, you can tell him it could be worse; he could be my kid.

 

[yitbos96bb]

I have nothing to add regarding your options -- the experts here have spoken . However, I did want to add my .02 about your DS15. Make him pay for his own insurance. That way when he wrecks his car and the car insurance goes up, it will teach him a lesson. It worked with me when I was a kid My agent told me he was saving my butt but it was going to cost me $$$. Trust me - I was a lot more careful when the money was coming out of my pocket instead of my mom's. My poor 15 year old daughter has to put up with me (I handle auto accidents) and her dad, who is a cop. Bless her sweet little heart. So if your son complains, you can tell him it could be worse; he could be my kid.

Also encourages good grades. I remember my insurance was double the price as a kid without the good student discount.