Quick Note: The iPod Touch is basically the same device as the iPhone, except it does not have GPS, Camera, or built-in microphone (however you can buy an accessory microphone). Other than that it’s the same device and operating system. Keep in mind, that anywhere you see iTouch below the comments also apply to the iPhone.
Wi-fi
The iTouch is a handheld Wi-Fi device and is great for quick access at hotspots. One of the advantages of a device like the iTouch is its “always-on” capability. I was recently on vacation with some friends in the Smokey Mountains and my buddy had his NetBook. We wanted to access the parks website to find out some info, so we found a free wi-fi hotspot and ended up going head-to-head with who can find the info the quickest. So, I grabbed my iTouch, connected to the Wi-Fi network, did a Google search, and accessed the parks website. Meanwhile, he’s still booting up his NetBook.
That’s not to say an iTouch is better than a NetBook, but it’s much more convenient for tasks like I just described. Laptops and NetBooks are still far better for typing compared to the iTouch’s small onscreen keyboard. Just a note about the onscreen keyboard – yes it is small, but it’s not bad once you get the hang of it. I don’t write longs Emails on it, but the quick, fast, convenience of the device that makes it very useful.
Kindle
I purchased my iTouch a year ago mainly to start purchasing books electronically. As a developer for AtNetPlus, I constantly need to keep up with the latest technologies. In years past, I’d purchase a technology book and in a year it would be obsolete. My library was growing out-of-control. So, I made a decision to go “Green” and purchase electronic versions of books online.
The reason I went with the iTouch was based on Amazon’s Kindle App that I could load onto my iTouch. There are two parts to Amazon’s Kindle platform – hardware and the electronic book format. Amazon sells a device called a Kindle and they provide electronic books in the Kindle format. So, with the iTouch Kindle App (available in the iTunes store) I can read the Kindle Book format without purchasing Amazon’s device.
What’s great about Kindle is that I can go on Amazon, find the book (not all books are in Kindle format yet), and download it instantly to my iTouch. I don’t have to run to the store or wait for it to be delivered in the mail. Plus, some versions are actually cheaper in the electronic version.
I do have to say it’s a different experience reading books on a small device, but there are many features of the iTouch Kindle version that make it worthwhile.
For instance, the book will remember the last page you viewed so you can pick right back up from where you left off. And that’s for everyone book you have on the device. Also, to make it easier to see, you can increase the font size and also rotate the device so it is using portrait mode. It’s surprising easy to read on the screen. I can also make notes anywhere in the book as I’m reading. I’m usually reading several books at once and having them all in one place is very convenient. Plus, as a developer, I always have my reference library with me.
The other reason I picked the iTouch over Kindle was for all of the other things you can do with the iTouch that I’ll cover in my next installment of "How I use my iTouch for Business."
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