Should I buy an Ipod Touch or wait for the Ipad
January 31, 2010 11:09 AM Subscribe
Should I buy an IPOD Touch or an IPAD
Convince me if I should buy an IPOD Touch or the new IPAD. I don't own a laptop,just use my pc but am looking for something easy to read and surf the net,and enjoy pictures and music .Just wanting to learn to be more tech savvy. Many people tell me the ipod touch is the best, but the Ipad is compelling. Wifi model or the 3g type? I'm thinking the bottom line would be to wait for the ipad and spend the money on that device. Thanks everybody
Convince me if I should buy an IPOD Touch or the new IPAD. I don't own a laptop,just use my pc but am looking for something easy to read and surf the net,and enjoy pictures and music .Just wanting to learn to be more tech savvy. Many people tell me the ipod touch is the best, but the Ipad is compelling. Wifi model or the 3g type? I'm thinking the bottom line would be to wait for the ipad and spend the money on that device. Thanks everybody
If it was cautious me, I'd definitely wait until the ipad has actually been released and some folks have used them for a while. Until then it's a bit hard to make comparisons.
posted by carter at 11:15 AM on January 31, 2010 [5 favorites]
posted by carter at 11:15 AM on January 31, 2010 [5 favorites]
I have an iPhone (which is basically the Touch plus phone features), and it's great for what it is but would not be what I would buy specifically for reading and surfing the net. The upside is that it's small enough to always be with you, but the downside is that it's small.
posted by you're a kitty! at 11:17 AM on January 31, 2010
posted by you're a kitty! at 11:17 AM on January 31, 2010
I'd go with the iPod, since you can keep it in your pocket and whip it out whenever, wherever. With the iPad, you'd have to carry it around all day in some sort of satchel, go through the big ordeal of digging it out, switching it on, and trying in vain to operate it with your one hand that isn't holding a cup of coffee.
posted by Sys Rq at 11:21 AM on January 31, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by Sys Rq at 11:21 AM on January 31, 2010 [1 favorite]
I asked a similar question last week about whether I should get an iPod Touch. The responses might be helpful.
posted by pecknpah at 11:26 AM on January 31, 2010
posted by pecknpah at 11:26 AM on January 31, 2010
Never buy a 1st generation Apple product.
posted by k8t at 11:39 AM on January 31, 2010 [10 favorites]
posted by k8t at 11:39 AM on January 31, 2010 [10 favorites]
There are also 46 other tablets available for sale from $200 on up.
posted by delmoi at 11:42 AM on January 31, 2010 [4 favorites]
posted by delmoi at 11:42 AM on January 31, 2010 [4 favorites]
I would wait until the next gen iPad comes out. Let the early adopters be the guinea pigs for a year or so, you'll have a much better idea of what you're getting into.
Here's a pretty great article on why you should ignore the geek community freak-out.
posted by AlsoMike at 11:43 AM on January 31, 2010
Here's a pretty great article on why you should ignore the geek community freak-out.
posted by AlsoMike at 11:43 AM on January 31, 2010
Just wanting to learn to be more tech savvy
What exactly do you mean by this? Do want to learn how to build websites or manipulate your operating system? Or do you just want to be able to use technology as tool to accomplish ordinary tasks, such as reading and surfing the net,and enjoying pictures and music? And if it's the later, where do you wan to do it?
If you're out and about a lot, the Touch is easier to carry, but lacks the always on internet connection the Pad has. But it does fit in your pocket. If you're just looking to hang around the house, then the Pad might fit your needs better with it's larger screen.
Go for the 3G connection if you're not going to have access to wifi networks more than 10 or 20 percent of the time. There's nothing worse than having a computer that can't access the web because there's no free wifi available.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 11:48 AM on January 31, 2010
What exactly do you mean by this? Do want to learn how to build websites or manipulate your operating system? Or do you just want to be able to use technology as tool to accomplish ordinary tasks, such as reading and surfing the net,and enjoying pictures and music? And if it's the later, where do you wan to do it?
If you're out and about a lot, the Touch is easier to carry, but lacks the always on internet connection the Pad has. But it does fit in your pocket. If you're just looking to hang around the house, then the Pad might fit your needs better with it's larger screen.
Go for the 3G connection if you're not going to have access to wifi networks more than 10 or 20 percent of the time. There's nothing worse than having a computer that can't access the web because there's no free wifi available.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 11:48 AM on January 31, 2010
Never go by people's broad generalizations of whether to buy a first gen Apple product. You could say the same thing about Toyotas.
The iPad is a giant iPod touch. There is some appeal for me to this device because my iPhone can be too small for browsing the web or doing real email responses. It isn't a netbook or a tablet PC or a little notebook. Since I bought original iPhone (yes an evil first generation Apple product that was flawless, just like my first gen MacBook Pro and first gen Mac mini) I've done a lot of web browsing and email on the tiny screen and it is fantastic to have with me everywhere I go. But I spend the mornings with my coffee reading newspaper sites and Metafilter which is perfect for the iPad and it means I can leave my MacBook Pro at home sleeping soundly.
But the fact is there's still 2 months before the wifi version appears in shops and more time after that for the 3G version to appear. I may get one when they come out, I certainly don't NEED one. I think a lot of the iPad hate is on the fact that people expected an full blown Mac inside that table form factor and instead got a giant iPod touch.
Since you have two months at least until you can buy an iPad, why not go to a nearby store and play with one and see if it does what you want. But asking for people's advice about a product that hasn't been released yet probably won't be that fruitful.
posted by birdherder at 11:53 AM on January 31, 2010 [1 favorite]
The iPad is a giant iPod touch. There is some appeal for me to this device because my iPhone can be too small for browsing the web or doing real email responses. It isn't a netbook or a tablet PC or a little notebook. Since I bought original iPhone (yes an evil first generation Apple product that was flawless, just like my first gen MacBook Pro and first gen Mac mini) I've done a lot of web browsing and email on the tiny screen and it is fantastic to have with me everywhere I go. But I spend the mornings with my coffee reading newspaper sites and Metafilter which is perfect for the iPad and it means I can leave my MacBook Pro at home sleeping soundly.
But the fact is there's still 2 months before the wifi version appears in shops and more time after that for the 3G version to appear. I may get one when they come out, I certainly don't NEED one. I think a lot of the iPad hate is on the fact that people expected an full blown Mac inside that table form factor and instead got a giant iPod touch.
Since you have two months at least until you can buy an iPad, why not go to a nearby store and play with one and see if it does what you want. But asking for people's advice about a product that hasn't been released yet probably won't be that fruitful.
posted by birdherder at 11:53 AM on January 31, 2010 [1 favorite]
Get the iPad. It's going to be a game changing device.
With the caveat of your "tech savvy" comment. The iPad (and iPod touch) put the technology completely behind the scenes. Which is good in that it gets out of your way and lets you do things easily. But you aren't going to learn anything about technology from them.
posted by 6550 at 12:36 PM on January 31, 2010 [1 favorite]
With the caveat of your "tech savvy" comment. The iPad (and iPod touch) put the technology completely behind the scenes. Which is good in that it gets out of your way and lets you do things easily. But you aren't going to learn anything about technology from them.
posted by 6550 at 12:36 PM on January 31, 2010 [1 favorite]
Save your money. It doesn't sound like you have a pressing need for either one of them (and it doesn't sound like you're exactly clear on how you hope to use the device), and something better will come along.
(And who are these people telling you the iPod Touch is the best? Best for what? Wouldn't the iPhone, which does everything the Touch does and then some, be better?)
posted by box at 12:40 PM on January 31, 2010
(And who are these people telling you the iPod Touch is the best? Best for what? Wouldn't the iPhone, which does everything the Touch does and then some, be better?)
posted by box at 12:40 PM on January 31, 2010
If you want a connectivity device, a device that will let access e-mail, check twitter, and generally "stay connected" easily, get the ipod.
If you want a device to do a lot of reading and web surfing on get the ipad or a netbook. Personally, I see the ipad as more limited than a netbook with no real benefits. It's no easier to carry; it doesn't take fewer hands to use; it's not easier to read; it doesn't have any real battery life advantage.
So, really, I suggest either an ipod or a good netbook.
posted by oddman at 12:46 PM on January 31, 2010
If you want a device to do a lot of reading and web surfing on get the ipad or a netbook. Personally, I see the ipad as more limited than a netbook with no real benefits. It's no easier to carry; it doesn't take fewer hands to use; it's not easier to read; it doesn't have any real battery life advantage.
So, really, I suggest either an ipod or a good netbook.
posted by oddman at 12:46 PM on January 31, 2010
With the iPad, you'd have to carry it around all day in some sort of satchel, go through the big ordeal of digging it out, switching it on, and trying in vain to operate it with your one hand that isn't holding a cup of coffee.
This can't be said enough.
posted by SoulOnIce at 1:07 PM on January 31, 2010
This can't be said enough.
posted by SoulOnIce at 1:07 PM on January 31, 2010
With the iPad, you'd have to carry it around all day in some sort of satchel, go through the big ordeal of digging it out, switching it on, and trying in vain to operate it with your one hand that isn't holding a cup of coffee.
Yeah, so? Same is true with a laptop or a netbook. iPad will be a replacement for those devices. (Turning it on shouldn't be too hard; it wakes from sleep immediately, and it involves one button and a swipe.) The iPod touch has the virtue of sitting in one hand, but you still need the other hand to operate it for anything more complex that skipping a music track.
One thing that always strikes me about these debates is that it's somehow inconceivable someone could want or need more than one device. If you can afford to own an iPhone, an iPad, and a laptop, you've got the complete arsenal and can choose the right sidearm for your mission. It's not like Apple is only letting you buy one machine. And at least some people don't get offended by a pricetag, just decide if they can afford it or not, and if they want it bad enough to pay the price. I'm always amused at the high dudgeon of Apple detractors who are bothered by the price of Apple gear. No one is making you buy it. If you can't afford it, that's your problem.
posted by fourcheesemac at 1:42 PM on January 31, 2010
Yeah, so? Same is true with a laptop or a netbook. iPad will be a replacement for those devices. (Turning it on shouldn't be too hard; it wakes from sleep immediately, and it involves one button and a swipe.) The iPod touch has the virtue of sitting in one hand, but you still need the other hand to operate it for anything more complex that skipping a music track.
One thing that always strikes me about these debates is that it's somehow inconceivable someone could want or need more than one device. If you can afford to own an iPhone, an iPad, and a laptop, you've got the complete arsenal and can choose the right sidearm for your mission. It's not like Apple is only letting you buy one machine. And at least some people don't get offended by a pricetag, just decide if they can afford it or not, and if they want it bad enough to pay the price. I'm always amused at the high dudgeon of Apple detractors who are bothered by the price of Apple gear. No one is making you buy it. If you can't afford it, that's your problem.
posted by fourcheesemac at 1:42 PM on January 31, 2010
Yeah, so? Same is true with a laptop or a netbook. iPad will be a replacement for those devices.
I seriously doubt that. Remember how it doesn't have a keyboard?
posted by lhude sing cuccu at 1:46 PM on January 31, 2010
I seriously doubt that. Remember how it doesn't have a keyboard?
posted by lhude sing cuccu at 1:46 PM on January 31, 2010
One thing that always strikes me about these debates is that it's somehow inconceivable someone could want or need more than one device.
That's...uh... Did you read the question? It's an either/or question, "Which one should I get." We're offering opinions. Mine was convenience-based. What's yours? "If you can't afford it, that's your problem." WTF.
posted by Sys Rq at 2:06 PM on January 31, 2010
That's...uh... Did you read the question? It's an either/or question, "Which one should I get." We're offering opinions. Mine was convenience-based. What's yours? "If you can't afford it, that's your problem." WTF.
posted by Sys Rq at 2:06 PM on January 31, 2010
Response by poster: Thanks for the input: your comments have been generous and appreciated!
posted by Upon Further Review at 2:52 PM on January 31, 2010
posted by Upon Further Review at 2:52 PM on January 31, 2010
iPod Touch = iPad mini
posted by buzzkillington at 6:01 PM on January 31, 2010
posted by buzzkillington at 6:01 PM on January 31, 2010
For the record, since I got my iPod Touch I do about 3/4 of my web browsing on it. Whether or not it's usable in this way is very much a matter of personal taste.
It doesn't sound like you're in a huge rush though, so no harm in waiting until you can actually get your hands on an iPad and compare the two directly.
posted by Lazlo at 1:12 AM on February 1, 2010
It doesn't sound like you're in a huge rush though, so no harm in waiting until you can actually get your hands on an iPad and compare the two directly.
posted by Lazlo at 1:12 AM on February 1, 2010
I would focus on how/when you plan to use the device. Personally, I would want such a device when I want to read a chapter of an ebook on the train, or want to look up some bit of trivia when at the bar. The ipod is the obvious choice for these activities. Think about where/when you would want to use the device and the answer should be pretty apparent.
posted by craven_morhead at 11:13 AM on February 1, 2010
posted by craven_morhead at 11:13 AM on February 1, 2010
If you have to get ipad , go for the wifi version. ($500 without accessories) The ipad 3G uses the small sim(3FF Plug) version meaning only 1 carrier(at&t for now, possibly tmobile) has any support for it) and judging from your described use of home computer, wifi is beneficial.
Both Itouch and Ipad have essentially the same OS, so the tossup is between a bigger screen or portability
For the price of $500 however, there are number of laptops/netbooks better suitable for handing movie/pictures/music mainly for the reason of bigger storage/ ability to play hd, output to hd etc.
posted by radsqd at 1:52 PM on February 1, 2010
Both Itouch and Ipad have essentially the same OS, so the tossup is between a bigger screen or portability
For the price of $500 however, there are number of laptops/netbooks better suitable for handing movie/pictures/music mainly for the reason of bigger storage/ ability to play hd, output to hd etc.
posted by radsqd at 1:52 PM on February 1, 2010
I have no problem surfing the web on my iTouch, it's quite comfortable. Reading books, however, is not. If you read at a normal pace, you're turning pages constantly. I'm jonesing hard for a Kindle/Nook/whatever for that reason - I want more text on a page!
posted by etoile at 5:24 PM on February 2, 2010
posted by etoile at 5:24 PM on February 2, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by InsanePenguin at 11:14 AM on January 31, 2010