iWorld toys

Apple has updated their line-up of media players. New iPod, iPod shuffle, iPod Nano, and iPod Touch.

The Touch continues to get great reviews. The number of apps available, the fact it has WIFI, the fact it now has a front and back facing camera, the media player (movies and music, big enough to read ebooks). The only shortcoming seems to be GPS. And its not a phone. Ay, there is the rub. Smartphones now have many of the same features, though arguably one must go for an iPHone to get the same features. The 32 GB Touch (which seems the minimum given that the next step down is only 8 GB) is $299. The 64 GB version is a whopping $399. Given that the capabilities are referred to as near computer like, I can maybe stomach $299 (= ~ $340 with tax). However I think I'd rather:

Order a Kindle 3 WIFI edition (~170 with delivery to Canada).

And get an iPod Nano 6th generation, which is very small. The 16 GB version is $189 (= ~214). This new version would give me more capacity for tunes than my current device, and it's smaller making it better for working out and running. To the latter point, there is a clip on the new iNano. No camera or other fancy stuff, but I have a separate camera that takes great pictures if I want to be a photog. I should probably also consider just getting a shuffle for my workouts. Hmm. It is only $59 in Canada, but there is only 2 GB of storage capacity.

The Kindle 3 is now definitely on my wish list. Given that it is easier on the eyes for reading, and easy to read outdoors, I'm hooked. Plus the fact one can travel with a library is awesome. I'm still not too sure I like the pricing of ebooks, but I sure like the overall idea. Plus, anything that is long out of copyright is available for free. There are apparently converters to allow one to read ebooks in EPUB format -- used by libraries -- on the Kindle.

I see myself as more likely to refresh my cell phone in about another 1-2 years with something like an iPhone, so buying the Touch seems like overkill. Basically I just don't think I'd use all the features to justify the cash outlay.

I will sleep on these 'important' decisions.