Follow up the my Blackberry woes...I can't switch providers because I have another full year on my contract with T-Mobile (and I am far too cheap to break the contract).  I don't want to get another phone because 1) I don't think I should have to buy new hardware for a software problem, 2) I am not sure I will be staying with T-Mobile after my contract expires, 3) I have been eyeing a iPhone for awhile, but want to see if Apple, in the next year, extends it to providers other than AT&T.  Now I admit my dissatisfaction has nothing to do with using my Blackberry as a phone.  Instead, I know that this little device has so much potential beyond making a call (if I could get the appropriate OS, that is).  So, in my mind, I got the next best thing, an iPod Touch. 

Now this purchase was not solely  related to my Blackberry.  I have an old iPod Nano I use for running which just fine for the purpose, but it doesn't play videos.  As we are going on a long trip with the kids, we were looking to replace a broken portable DVD player.  But, since the older two have iPods that play video, I only need something for the little guy to watch.  So, I thought it better to put the money toward something that does far more than play videos and has many of the capabilities that I am looking for.

Impressions so far...I LOVE it.  First, I did upgrade and buy the new Apple 3.0 operating system for $10.  All of my favorite desktop software and Google apps have iPod Touch versions (most for free) and it is Wi-Fi enabled.  So I am able to use it as a mini-computer that links into our wireless network at home as well as 'hot spots' when I am out and about.  First thing that hit me was that web pages display beautifully!  When at home, but not at my desktop, the Touch makes firing up the laptop obsolete.  I also have Pandora on it.  So, mounted on a portable dock, I can now stream my customized radio stations in any room of the house.  And on the go, but not in a Wi-Fi hot spot, I can still create notes (and search for ones) in Evernote.  Once I am back on a wireless network, my notes are synched effortlessly.  I use it like a PDA, but unlike my Blackberry, the displays of my calendar and to do lists are beautiful.  I watched a full length movie and it was great.

Would I love to have Internet connectivity anywhere I go (like I do with my Blackberry)?  Of course, but this little thing still can do so much (and I still haven't come close to utilizing all the potential) that I feel that it is a wise purchase.

One word about typing on the touch screen...a bit difficult to get used to and if I had chubby thumbs it might be a real drag.  So, the jury is still out on weather I could use the iPhone.  I would have to consider how much mobile emailing I need to do.  But with a year to practice on my Touch, I have time to decide!