How does the iPad compare to the iPod touch and iPhone? Which one is right for my needs?

Please note that this Q&A compares the iPad to the iPod touch 3rd Generation and iPhone 3GS, which were the current models when the iPad was introduced. You may also be interested an updated version of this Q&A -- "How does the iPad compare to the 3rd Generation iPod touch and the iPhone 4?"

At first glance, it is obvious that the iPad is larger than the iPod touch and iPhone, but beyond the size differences there are a number of feature and technical differences that merit closer evaluation. There are significantly different contractual requirements as well.

It also is worth noting that there have been several iPhone and iPod touch models, and this Q&A compares the iPad to the iPhone 3GS and iPod touch (3rd Gen/Late 2009). Note that the iPod touch (3rd Gen/Late 2009) is the third generation of the iPod touch line, but it does not have 3G wireless capability.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad - Front, Back, & Side)

The iPhone 3GS and iPod touch (3rd Gen), both have a 3.5" 320x480 (163 ppi) display and the iPad has a 9.7" 1024x768 (132 ppi) display. The iPhone 3GS and iPad have "oleophobic" (oil repellent) coatings as well. All have accelerometers that allow each to "know" whether it is being held in portrait or landscape mode and switch automatically and an ambient light sensor to adjust screen brightness. The iPad has a "lock" to hold the device in one orientation or another too.

Externally, the front of all three effectively are the display, but the back material differences are notable. The iPad uses a matte aluminum case (models equipped with 3G have a plastic area on the top rear for the 3G antenna), the iPod touch (3rd Gen/Late 2009) has a chromed steel rear case with an oval shaped plastic "window" for the wi-fi antenna, and the iPhone 3GS models use either black or white plastic for the rear case which allows data and voice signals to penetrate the housing.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Left - iPod touch 3rd Gen, Center & Right - iPhone 3GS)

The iPad, iPod touch (3rd Gen), and iPhone 3GS all run versions of the iPhone OS and the majority of applications written for the iPhone or iPod touch will run on the iPad. The iPad is offered with e-reader software (iBooks) and additional productivity software (a version of the iWork applications) and an external keyboard dock accessory (US$69) that makes it possible to compose full documents on the iPad (and spreadsheets and presentations as well). Given the larger display, no doubt more full-fledged iPad applications will be forthcoming.

All also have Wi-Fi -- 802.11b/g for the iPhone 3GS and third generation iPod touch (hardware capable of 802.11n, but unsupported in software), and 802.11a/b/g/n for the iPad line. All support Bluetooth 2.1+EDR too.

Otherwise, features are quite different between the three devices. The iPhone 3GS has "phone" capability, mobile phone networking (3G/EDGE), GPS-A support, an integrated still/video camera, a digital compass, and voice control functionality. The iPod touch (3rd Gen/Late 2009) has voice control but lacks the remaining features (phone, 3G, GPS-A, camera, and digital compass). iPad models likewise do not have mobile phone voice capability, voice control, or a camera, but all do include a digital compass. High-end iPad models (US$629-US$829) have 3G networking and A-GPS.

Internally, the 32 GB and 64 GB configurations of the iPod touch (3rd Gen) and the iPhone 3GS use a Samsung ARM Cortex A8 processor running at 800 MHz (but the iPhone 3GS is "downclocked" to 600 MHz to conserve battery life) and the iPad models use a custom ARM-based 1 GHz "Apple A4" system-on-a-chip. Internal storage for the iPod touch (3rd Gen) is 8 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB, 16 GB or 32 GB for the iPhone 3GS, and 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB for the iPad.

Upfront pricing for the iPod touch (3rd Gen) and iPad have no contractual strings attached. For iPad models equipped with 3G connectivity, 3G data plans are available without a contract for US$14.99/month with a 250 MB data transfer limit and US$29.99/month for unlimited use via AT&T Wireless in the US. Also in the US, the iPhone 3GS requires a two-year contract with AT&T Wireless at a minimum cost of US$69.99/month.

For your convenience, the primary differences between the iPad, iPod touch (3rd Gen) and the iPhone 3GS are summarized below:

	iPad	iPod touch	iPhone 3GS
Primary Functionality:	Fullscreen Web e-Reader Music Playback Video Playback Slideshows Word Processing Spreadsheets Presentations Wi-Fi 3G & GPS* Compass	Music Playback Video Playback Slideshows Wi-Fi	Music Playback Video Playback Slideshows Wi-Fi & 3G/EDGE GPS Phone Still & Video Camera Compass
Display Size:	9.7" (1024x768)	3.5" (320x480)	3.5" (320x480)
Processor Speed:	1 GHz	800 MHz	600 MHz
Data Networks:	2G/3G* & Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi	2G/3G & Wi-Fi
Bluetooth:	2.1+EDR	2.1+EDR	2.1+EDR
Storage Size:	16, 32, 64 GB	8, 32, 64 GB	16, 32 GB
Talk Time (3G):	N/A	N/A	5 Hours
Talk Time (2G):	N/A	N/A	12 Hours
Music Runtime:	Forthcoming	30 Hours	30 Hours
Video Runtime:	Forthcoming	6 Hours	10 Hours
A-GPS:	No/Yes*	No	Yes
Camera:	No	No	3.0 MP
Digital Compass:	Yes	No	Yes
External Speaker:	Yes	Yes	Yes
Microphone:	Yes	Yes**	Yes
Video Camera:	No	No	Yes
Voice Control:	No	Yes	Yes
Shake to Shuffle:	No	Yes	Yes
Genius Support:	Yes	Yes	Yes
Nike + iPod:	No	Yes	Yes
Back Exterior:	Matte Aluminum	Chrome Steel	Black/White Plastic
Dimensions (In):	9.56 x 7.47 x 0.5	4.3 x 2.4 x 0.33	4.5 x 2.4 x 0.48
Weight:	1.5 or 1.6 lbs	4.05 oz. (115 g)	4.8 oz. (135 g)
Price:	US$499-US$829†	US$199-US$399††	US$199, US$299§

* Only high-end iPad models (US$629-US$829) have 2G/3G networking and A-GPS.

** The iPod touch (3rd Gen) does not have an internal microphone, but it supports the external Apple Earphones with Remote and Mic and some third-party products. The Apple Earphones with Remote and Mic are standard with the 32 GB and 64 GB configurations.

† The iPad with 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB of storage and Wi-Fi is US$499, US$599, and US$699, respectively. Configured with the same capacity, but 3G and A-GPS in addition to Wi-Fi costs US$629, US$729, and US$829.

†† The 8 GB iPod touch (3rd Gen) is offered for US$199, the 32 GB is US$299, and the 64 GB is US$399.

§These prices are advertised only for new AT&T Wireless customers. For non-qualified customers, the price with a new two-year agreement is US$599 or US$699.

Ultimately, the iPod touch is best suited for those who want a handheld computer capable of playing music, displaying photos and videos, surfing the web, and playing games. The iPhone also is a handheld computer capable of doing everything the iPod touch is capable of doing and includes a phone, mobile data connectivity, GPS, and camera functionality, but also often is tied to an expensive monthly plan. The iPad is larger and is best suited for those who need portable -- but not handheld -- mobile Internet use, media playback, a digital book reader, as well as basic productivity applications and a full-size keyboard "dock". Only you can decide which device -- or devices -- are best for you.