I’m Hal and I bought an iPhone-like iPod Touch

OK, I did it – I spent $400 and bought a 16GB flash iPod Touch. I bought it so that as Editor and Publisher of Smartphone & Pocket PC, I would know what I was talking about when referring to the iPhone.

Fundamentally, the iPod Touch is an iPhone without the phone. (It is a little thinner without camera, phone and the E-mail app, but they are pretty much the same.) That is, to a significant extent, the iPod Touch is to the iPhone as the Pocket PC is to a Smartphone.

I didn’t really expect to like it or use it much. After all, Windows Mobile devices can do all the iPod Touch can do and so much more. Plus I can add storage, software, and accessories to my Windows Mobile devices. I can’t even swap out the battery on my iPod Touch!

Well, I actually like the iPod! In fact I like and have already used it a lot! I use it to listen to music, watch YouTube videos, and do a fast web search with Wi-Fi. The interface is simple and inviting to use. In fact it seems almost everything about the iPod Touch was designed with my experience in mind --- to do a few things well, easily, and in a fun way. That emphasis on good user experience includes everything from long earphone cord, so I can put the device in my pocket, to the ability to double click (press the only iPod button twice) to pull up a simple music menu.

The truth is that I will listen to a lot more music and watch a lot more video on my iPod Touch then on my Pocket PC! It is just more convenient and inviting.

Microsoft designed a powerful Windows Mobile computer for our pocket or purse with lots of features and lots of opportunity to add more functionality. Microsoft emphasized features.

Apple’s emphasis was on user experience, and doing a few very popular things well.

If you need what Windows Mobile has to offer, and are willing to put up with a little clunkiness, then choose a Windows Mobile device. If you just want to listen to music, play videos, and surf, I would recommend an iPod Touch (or iPhone with E-mail and phone.)

If you are reading this, you are probably into gadgets, and might want both. However, if I were to recommend a phone to a non-techy friend, I would have to go with the iPhone. (There, I said it).