The iPod Touch is All That and Then Some...

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!

A One Year Old Blackberry Already a Dinosaur?

These days I am grumpy with T-Mobile.  I have had a Blackberry Pearl 8100 for just one year.   This is my first 'smart phone' and it really has made me a more productive mom.  I really have enjoyed this thing.  Well, recently I have been noticing that lots of companies have been developing applications (a.k.a. 'apps') for the Blackberry (the middle age counterpart of the iPhone).  Two of my favorite programs (Evernote and Pandora) have released such apps.  I got so excited at the thought of streaming my custom radio stations and viewing my virtual notebook on my Blackberry.  (I know I am a geek).  But my enthusiasm came to a screeching halt when I realized that my Blackberry OS (operating system) needed to be updated and that T-Mobile NO longer provides updates for my model Blackberry (but they are upgrading other models).  Even though Blackberry has offered several software updates for my phone, T-Mobile won't customize it so it works with my cell phone plan.  So if I download the software from Blackberry instead of T-Mobile, features of my calling plan won't work.  Now remember, this is my 1 YEAR OLD Blackberry I am talking about.  I even found a T-Mobile customer service rep who was very competent and eager to please and spent 2 hours with me on the phone trying to help me find a 'work around', but with no luck.  So I am left with a hardware (the phone) that is perfectly functional, but because it has outdated software, it is fossilizing before my eyes.  I wouldn't think Blackberry would be too happy with T-Mobile.  They may lose a customer because the service provider won't let me update my OS.  I may just have to not act my age and get an iPhone.  What can I say, but "I want an app for that."