ZTE Peel Case

Although extremely popular the iPod Touch has always been seen as an “almost-iPhone”. The one thing it lacks is a mobile wireless antenna and without 3G it will never replace a smartphone. Sprint is trying to change all that with its new ZTE Peel, which is basically a 3G hotspot that takes in a 3G signal from Sprint that provides a wi-fi network that any wi-fi device can access. Although there are already similar technologies out there this one is specifically designed for the iPod Touch.

In fact an iPod Touch with a ZTE Peel even has some advantages over an iPhone. It is a cheaper device that is contract free. The ZTE Peel can support up to two other Wi-Fi devices, a feature for which AT&T charges $20 per month on the iPhone. Additionally this product is for Sprint, which many claim is a more reliable service than AT&T.

Still, this isn’t exactly an iPhone. Most obviously, an iPod Touch is more than twice the thickness of the iPhone 4. Secondly, the case only supports the second and third generation iPod Touch even though the newest generation is more like an iPhone 4 with a camera , ultra sharp screen and speedy processor. Also there’s the fact that there is no possibility of a voice plan. Lastly, an encased iPod Touch suffers from a reduced battery life.

Despite the few drawbacks, being able to give your iPod Touch instant phone like capabilities seems pretty cool. For many people a voice plan is pretty unnecessary anyway and eliminates expensive contracts. The ZTE Peel is $80 in Sprint stores and all you have to pay is $30 for 1GB of bandwidth.