Trying to make iPod touch 2G into an iPhone using CradlePoint’s PHS300

In a previous post (iPod touch 2G vs. iPhone 3G), I mentioned the key differences between the iPod touch 2G vs. iPhone 3G.

1. Phone / SMS + Contacts integration
   
2. GPS
   
3. Internet connectivity everywhere
   
4. A camera + an easy way to manage photos
   
5. Less items to carry
   

In the latest issue of the Japanese magazine, Mac Fan, I came across CradlePoint’s PHS300.

PHS300 lets you become a walking WiFi hotspot
The PHS300 (with the PHS standing for personal hotspot) is a portable WiFi router (powerd by a battery) that can be connected to broadband-enabled cellular phones and modems. According to bloggers that used the device, one charge for the PHS300 can last about 1.5 hours with an USB modem. It costs $179.99 and you can purchase it on CradlePoint's homepage.  

The iPod touch + PHS300 combo
So the idea here is – we can use the PHS300 as a mobile wifi hotspot and hook the iPod touch to it.

With the PHS300, we can eliminate another difference between the Touch and iPhone – Internet connectivity everywhere. That’s right, using the PHS300 with an iPod touch you can surf the web with Safari, watch YouTube videos, buy music from the iTunes store, and use apps that require a net connection at any location with coverage. That also means that Maps app can find the approximate location of where you are, which makes the iPod touch become a pseudo-GPS device.

Pricing
Let’s take a look at what we have to pay for:

• iPod touch 16GB + PHS300:
  iPod touch 16GB ($299) + PHS300 (179.99) + Mobile Broadband Internet connection fees + modem
  
  
• iPhone 3G
  iPhone 3G 16GB (around $750 w/o contract) + Voice and Data Plan

The difference:
In terms of hardware, iPod touch and PHS300 together cost $480 while the iPhone alone is $750. The difference is about $270. You also have to factor in the modem or handset that will be providing the Internet connection. So at the end of the day, the price difference in terms of hardware is not a whole lot, and the iPhone 3G might actually be the better deal. It is especially the case if you get an iPhone with a contract, which makes the iPhone itself a lot cheaper.  

Advantages of the iPod touch + PHS300 combo
The iPod touch + PHS300 combo does have one plus that the iPhone 3G does not have – ability to share an Internet connection. That means other devices and computers can also share the connection.

Disadvantages of the iPod touch + PHS300 combo
Compared to the iPhone, you don’t get the camera, the phone, and a real GPS. More importantly, you have to bring a lot of gadgets to achieve what the iPhone can do. Here’s exactly what you need to bring:

1. A cell phone
   
2. A camera if your cell phone doesn’t have one
   
3. An iPod touch
   
4. PHS300
   
5. A modem if your cell phone is mobile broadband enabled
   

In the worst case, you need to bring 5 gadgets to do what one iPhone can do!!! In the best case scenario, you’ll need at least 3 gadgets.

iPhone also provides an extra layer of convenience. With the iPod touch + PHS300 combo, when you need to get online, you have to turn on the switch. If you’re using a cellular phone with the PHS300, you have to connect it. When you’re done, you have to turn it off assuming you want to preserve battery life.

And of course, the iPhone also lets you streamline you data management like photos and contacts because they are all integrated.

Who should consider the iPod touch + PHS300 combo?
If you already have a mobile broadband cell phone or modem with an unlimited data plan and you’re locked into a contract, by purchasing the PHS300 and an iPod touch, it could be next closest thing to an iPhone without having to change or sign up for new services.

I, myself, have a mobile broadband device, an unlimited data plan, and a first gen iPod touch. PHS300 itself is an attractive device, but I don’t think it can replace the iPhone experience. The convenience of streamlined data management and carrying less devices is winning me over. Even if I do get the iPhone, I will probably still end up buying the PHS300 because it compliments my mobile broadband connection very well. Who wouldn’t want to be a walking hotspot?

Lastly, more info on PHS300
I’ve read a few blog posts regarding the PHS300, and they were in general very positive. So positive it’s making me want to get one.

Here are two posts that I found informative and helped me with this post:

• Review: CradlePoint PHS300 allows wifi almost anywhere
  
• Is that hotspot in your pocket?