Spend Less Get Nearly as Much with iPod touch

If you're torn between getting an iPhone 4S or the new iPad, you might want to think about the iPod touch.

I wanted an iPhone. I didn't need a phone and didn't want to pay $2,125 for a two-year wireless plan or $649 for an unlocked iPhone.

So I spent $199 for an iPod touch running iOS 5.1. I was crestfallen, thinking I'd settled for Apple's underachieving child. But when I saw I could play songs via voice command, browse the web, and even text chat and use FaceTime -- albeit only with other iOS users -- I was amazed. I was also relieved I hadn't spent three times the money for essentially the same functions.

So if you're eager for iOS accessibility, check out how far the iPod touch has come. It's no longer just that poker-chip-sized music player you clip on while working out.