As Apple continues to update its products it's no wonder that the iPod and the iPhone continue to headline around the tech world. With the release of the iPhone and the iPod Touch options where communication and portable media were concerned changed forever. With the recent updates to both the iPod line and the 3G iPhone, understanding both the features and fallbacks of each device becomes more important when it comes down to purchasing. The iPod Touch and the iPhone make look the same, but they're not.

Differences in Price

To start with the basics, there is always price. The iPhone comes in two models (with two color choices) 8GB and 16GB in either white or black. The 8GB sells for about $199 and the 16GB for $399. The real pricing trick comes with the obviously required AT&T service plan (that can usually go from $60 or above). As of right now there is no way around a two-year contract with AT&T.

The iPod Touch, on the other hand, comes with a much simpler price tag, $229 for 8GB, $299 for 16GB, and $399 for the 32GB (and no color options). If your wondering what the standard color is, it’s silver. A silver back with a sleek black front (just like it's iPhone cousin).

Feature Options

Features, too, vary from phone to MP3 player. Bluetooth capabilities, GPS, and a camera function are only available with the iPhone (as is the ability to call people). Otherwise, most basic functions are equal. Both the Touch and the iPhone have music and video playback, both can access and use the iTunes Application store (just like music, you can buy applications for your wireless device) and about 95 percent of the applications are said to be both iPod and iPhone compatible. Internet access, while a feature, does vary with each device.

The iPhone is connected to the AT&T network and thus, for a price, can access the internet from almost anywhere. The iPod Touch also has internet access, for free, but only where wireless WIFI service already exists. College campuses, airports, and Starbucks are a few of the more convenient iPod Touch internet locations.

In terms of size and shape the two are evenly matched. The iPhone boasts a slightly better battery life than the Touch (by about two hours for audio as well as video). The iPhone is also slightly larger than the Touch in width, depth, and height. If you're looking for the most pocket sized of the two, that would be the iPod Touch.

Overall, both make sense for certain lifestyles. As iPods go, the Touch is an excellent edition, especially with the growing popularity of video on the go. The iPod Touch boasts the largest screen on any iPod to date and it's also the only one with internet access. The iPhone also plays music and movies very well, and if you are in need of a new phone, are already an AT&T customer, and feel like an iPhone would be a more convenient travel companion than a laptop, then it's certainly the phone for you. Just remember that it's only necessary to buy a phone that can do everything if "everything" consists of things that you actually feel the need to do.

by Jessie Atkin, writer for Digital Landing