This is kind of a strange rumor, and if it ends up being true, the Peel will be a strange device. Essentially, Sprint is developing another variation on the wifi hotspot – which is good – but this particular product works directly with the iPod Touch.
Now assuming you can control the wifi hotspot with the iPod, and that it provides a data connection for said iPod, I like it. The interface (assuming Apple approves it – ha ha) would certainly be more convenient than the USB port controlled version we used last CES. I’d consider this rumor to be a strong possibility, since it’s based of an FCC filing, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’ll ever make it to market. I hope it does – I’ve found myself in quite a few situations where it would have been nice to have this type of technology attached to my iPod Touch.
[via TUAW]
…I still don’t quite get what it is. I mean if all it does it create a WiFi signal for the iPod to connect to, then it’s essentially the same has having my Evo’s hotspot functionality turned on in my pocket right?
Additionally, the only way to make calls would be through VoIP right…which tend to be limited unless you want to pay (not to mention poor quality over 3G).
I mean, I guess if you intended to make this your primary phone it makes sense, otherwise I don’t see the advantage to paying for this case/data plan over just having a phone and an iPod Touch…
Just have look it .You can have looking for something exciting and special.
iPod Touch + Peel + Skype or a Sprint-branded VOIP app = “Sprint iPhone”.
They stole my idea ;)
I am really looking forward to this. I would love to have data on my iPod touch all the time. I use the text free unlimited app on my touch which gives you a cell phone number for your touch and allows unlimited free texting when connect to data/wifi. Just this alone would cover part of the cost of the data connection on sprint because I could drop the the texting plan on my phone. Then with the added benefit of it also being a mifi and allowing other devices to connect and it being a case for the the touch. This this is killing like 6 birds with one stone. Def a win.
I will also be getting this to accompany my wifi only iPad as well. Why pay for the 3G version if I have this?
I just hope the pricing per month is much the same as At&t’s data plans for the iPad since most of the users of this will likely be At&t haters/Apple lovers looking for an alternative. Although I highly doubt this seeing as this will allow other devices to connect and the iPad does not, but hey if you hate At&t enough right? And I do.
Cost analysis.
iPod touch = $200 (via Apple).
MiFi card = $100 (average)
5GB @ $60/mo x 24 mos. = $1,440 (via Verizon, Sprint, or Virgin)
Phone number + unlimited calling to landlines and cellphones in USA and Mexico = $64 / year (via Skype).
200 text messages @ $0.10 per = $20 (via skype) – $480 / 24 mo.
Total cost: $2,368
IPhone 4 = $200 (subsidized)
Unlimited calling @ $70/mo x 24 mo. = $1,680 (via AT&T)
2 GB data pro (with tethering) = $45/mo x 24 mo. = $1080
$10/mo for each additional GB = $30/mo to get equivalent 5 GB, or $720 over 24 months.
200 texts @ $5/mo x 24 mo = $120 (via AT&T)
Total: $3,800
Alternately, expect to pay $85 / mo for the iPod + WiFi route vs. $150 / mo for equivalent access on an iPhone 4.
Add various taxes not charged by skype and for straight internet connections, and it’s nearly double the cost.
In rough terms, you could get a MacBook Pro for the cost of the difference – most of which is due to (very) inflated prices for the same basic data.