Screw the iPhone, I’ve never liked what it does or what it stands for. This isn’t directed as a cynical criticism of Apple itself for the very reason that I’ve never liked the iPhone but preferred the iPod Touch.

The iPod Touch is marketed as a thinner lighter version of the iPhone, without any phone capability. (So, exactly like the iPhone 4 then…zing!) In recent years, Apple have marketed it as a generic gaming-come-portable computer device in an effort to distance it from its more well known cousin.

I’ve had the third generation iPod Touch for 2 years now, without any major problems. I have Wi-Fi at home and use it as a very basic updating device (rather than a portable computer) for blog feeds, blog posts and emails. When I’m out of the house, and I am unable to use it for online updates and feeds, it’s great as a music player.

But it’s interesting to note the criticisms levelled at the iPod Touch from iPhone users. I’ve heard most of them in light conversation; “But I like to be connected all the time…Why have a separate phone….you have to wait till you get to a Wi-Fi access area….”

But what iPhone users would perceive as a weakness, I perceive as a fundamental strength. Frankly, I don’t want to be contactable online 24 hours, it feeds the compulsion (which has been discussed on blogosphere elsewhere). The fact that I know I can’t receive emails or Twitter updates, is just plain relaxing; I can get on with work, get about town, have a coffee in peace, etc.,

I have a Nokia and an iPod Touch and quite frankly thats all I need.

I say this as Apple’s forced an update on the iPod range again. Yes it can do FaceTime, which is not new but seems to works well nonetheless. The only thing that appeals, in terms of a real improvement, is the HD video recording, which is useful. However, don’t buy it for taking photos; its not that I’ve had direct experience with it, but if its anything like the iPhone 4, get a real camera. Rule of thumb: Lazy convergence ruins the integrity of media.