Sprint to ‘pare’ Apple’s iPod touch with Peel
Here’s an idea so natural you’ve got to wonder why no one’s tried it before (Apple’s lawyers might be able to give a reason or two). Still, with or without Cupertino’s blessing, there are millions of these AT&T-free handhelds in circulation, making it a tempting target for anyone with the tech, and stones, to try.
It’s often been remarked that the iPod touch has everything good about the iPhone and none of the bad, especially AT&T. A new product being created by the number three wireless carrier and a Chinese manufacturer is set to take that idea a step farther.
Ars Technica reports that Sprint and widget maker ZTE have created the Peel, a 3G + Wi-Fi hotspot device that’s designed to hold an iPod touch. Yes, the punchline is Apple Peel.
As noted in the lead, this sounds like a tremendously good idea, though there are some head-scratching elements in the implementation. For example, as noted in the FCC filing for the Peel, the battery is a 3.4Wh unit which is probably good for three or four hours of use — not a long time considering the touch is generally good to go all day.
Additionally, the Peel only supports the EVDO, i.e. slower, version of 3G, which combined with the relatively short battery life could lead to some frustration.
What isn’t know about Sprint’s Peel is how much it will cost and whether or not a contract will be required. That said, matching AT&T’s iPad offering — 2GB data for $25 — seems like a reasonable target…
What’s your take?
Related posts:
