Do I need an iPod Touch, IPhone, or something else?

[freeforall]

ATM I have an ancient pay as you go mobile which does what I need it to do as a phone. I don't use it much and don't really want a phone on a contract.

What I would like though is to be able to access my email and the internet while out and about/ without having to log on to my equally ancient desktop.

I've been contemplating updating my phone for a while, but DS1 has just obtained an iPod Touch and it occurs to me that this might be a better option for me.

Can anyone list the pros & cons / main differences

You won't be able to access email/the internet on an ipod touch without a WiFi connection.

I think you need to view a Smartphone (remember that it doesn't have to be an iPhone) as more than just a phone. I never used my old mobile much and couldn't really justify an iPhone for phone use but it has taken over my life in so many there ways.

You can probably get an old iPhone3GS quite reasonably if you don't need stuff like the upgraded display and camera etc of the newer iPhones. Friends have been very happy with the Samsung versions too and others swear by HTC.

Ah, thank's SoupDragon. So, he can get internet in the house because we have wifi, but outside the house will only be where there are free hotspots?

It was bought for him mainly becasue he's music mad, I didn't really realise it did other things

Yes, that's right. A iPod touch has no way of picking up the internet without WiFi. They are fabulous though :)

You do need to think of a Smartphone as not just a phone when comparing it to your ancient one.

My iPhone is also my music collection, it has my diary on it, it takes photos which are great for snaps, it keeps my children entertained in queues, does all my email, helps me find bargains by using a barcode scanner app, checks travel stuff, helps me find places with the maps... the jobs it helps with are endless :o

Obviously other smartphones do the same (I imagine)