iPod Touch vs. iPhone

iPhone 3G Features:

iPhone 3G
Software:
  • The latest iPhone OS, including the native apps: Messages, Calendar, Photos, Camera, YouTube, Stocks, Weather, Clock, Calculator, Notes, Settings, iTunes, App Store, Voice Memos
Hardware:
  • 3G Internet
  • 3 Megapixel Camera
  • Harddrive: 16GB or 32GB
  • Speed: 412MHz
  • Memory: 133MB of RAM
  • 3.5-inch Multi-Touch display
  • GPS
  • Wi-Fi
  • Cellular service (AT&T in US, varies by country)
  • 10 hours video playback

iPhone 3GS Features:

iPhone 3GS
Software:
  • The latest iPhone OS, including the native apps: Messages, Calendar, Photos, Camera, YouTube, Stocks, Weather, Clock, Calculator, Notes, Settings, iTunes, App Store, Voice Memos, Compass
Hardware:
  • 3G Internet
  • 3 Megapixel Camera
  • Harddrive: 16GB or 32GB
  • Speed: 600MHz
  • Memory: 133 MB of RAM
    •
  • Speed: 600MHz (up from 412 MHz)
  • Memory: 256 MB of RAM (up from 133MB)
  • 3.5-inch Multi-Touch display
  • GPS
  • Wi-Fi
  • Cellular service (AT&T in US, varies by country)
  • 10 hours video playback
  • Compass
  • Video Camera

iPod Touch Features:

iPod Touch
Software:
  • The latest iPhone OS, including the native apps: Messages, Calendar, Photos, Camera, YouTube, Stocks, Weather, Clock, Calculator, Notes, Settings, iTunes, App Store, Voice Memos
Hardware:
  • Harddrive: 8GB, 32GB or 64GB (double the available iPhone capacities)
  • Speed: Cortex A8, Apple chip
  • Memory: 256MB of RAM
  • 3.5-inch Multi-Touch display
  • Wi-Fi
  • 6 hours video playback
In summary, the iPod Touch runs on the same software as the iPhone, but LACKS mobile features like a cellular signal, GPS, data connectivity (3G/EDGE), and of course that pesky 2-year contract with AT&T, which is required to buy an iPhone.
The iPod touch is also thinner and usually cheaper than the iPhone depending on your agreement with your service provider.
Apple usually makes iPod Touch users pay $10-$20 for major OS updates, while iPhone users get them included as part of the service contract.
iPod touch (Buy on Amazon) is a great basic media devices, especially for children. An iPod Touch is also great for “non-techy” people who don’t require a full-blown mobile computer and telephone with a mobile service contract. But if you want to go all out and you want the ultimate portable assistant, then go with the iPhone.
Keep in mind: Apple often issues major updates to both the iPod Touch and the iPhone, usually during summer, so it might be worth waiting it out so your new device doesn’t start becoming obsolete a couple months after you buy it.
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