iPhone vs. iPod

It happened so that I had to upgrade a great deal of my electronics all at the same time -- needed a better phone service, my laptop nearly broke and my iPod's hard drive became too small to handle my file collection. After much going back and fourth I decided that there is simply no way for me not to have both a 160 gb iPod and an iPhone. Here are the reasons:

• Of course, the capacity. I envision having to constantly review the files on the iPhone in order to save space and be able to download something new.
• Battery concerns. iPod batteries last a long time and I suppose they have somewhat improved with years. However, my use of the iPod is very heavy every single day. My old one had to run on red quite often. Now, add to this running a phone service, WiFi and some apps. I do not want to end up without a phone all of a sudden because I listened to my iPod too much!
• With 160 gb I can count on having a very spacious external drive to transfer files. Without that I would have to buy another device anyway. Why not make iPod that extra device? I can enjoy it while carrying to files from place to place.
• Using two devices means that the load will be divided between them. Perhaps, breaking down will not be so likely?
  

Samsung BlackJack II (i617) Review and User Manual (PDF)

I am switching from T-Mobile to AT&T Wireless. As a result my T-Mobile MDA will no longer work. Of course, I am fully aware that it is possible to "upgrade" the firmware, essentially unlocking this phone. Still, with so many options available from ATT&T, why not get a cheap and comparable phone from them and then decide if it is worth trying to unlock the old one?

After much speculation, I have decided to try Samsung BlackJack II. Three main features sold me on this one.

• The screen is pretty large and quite suitable for what I end up using my T-Mobile MDA most of the time - reading ebooks. It is technically smaller than the MDA screen, but the resolution is the same.
• There are many buttons I can assign for the purpose of turning pages. I will probably end up using the middle one.
• The letter keys are conveniently located. You can enter text without having to using a slider. I loath texting, but this may be a very nice way to make some quick notes.

One big con for me was the lack of Wi-Fi. If I end up choosing a different device at the last moment, that's why. Hear this, Samsung? Also, as much as I like the black model, the so called wine colored BlackJack II has a different leathary back, making it much easier to hold the device. I have heard that the black ones can slip out of your hands pretty easily.

Samsung BlackJack II (i617) User Manual (PDF)