1. Writing Notes

Whenever you travel to a new country there are always tidbits of information you want to quickly jot down or remember. Address’s, hotel names, tourist destination info can all be quickly imputed into the iPod Touch’s notes app to be retrieved at a later needed date. Whenever I hear of a good hotel from a fellow traveler, I quickly make a note of it.

2. Recording Memos

Similar to notes, memos are used to record (iTouch Mic needed) quick bits of info. In countries where English isn’t the primary language I have found voice memos to be extremely handy to pass messages between two native speaking individuals. I just get one local to speak directions and then play them to another local. Every traveler knows the headache of accidentally pronouncing directions wrongly and being taken to an undesired location.

3. Your Music!

What is an iPod without the tunes it carries?! Having your favourite tracks while traveling heightens the experience. Whether you want to listen to songs to become less homesick, or a little reggae on the beach, the iPod Touch is a must. The iTouch’s external speaker allows you to share your tunes with the travelers you meet. Warning – playing catchy songs may lead to a party – believe me I know!

4. Exchanging information with other travelers

Having an iPod Touch is like having the worlds Rolodex in your pocket. The simple stock address book that comes with every iTouch is very handy for recording other travelers information. The best thing about traveling is the wide variety of people you meet along the way. These connections are extremely valuable to keep and the iTouch facilitates the process. Now with applications like Bump you can simply touch hands to trade contact info – no need to reach for the pen and paper.

5. Currency Exchange Rates

I would say the ability to see live up to date currency exchange rates is my most used travel feature of the iPod touch. I find the currency app to have all the functions I need.  When I was traveling around South East Asia I was constantly crossing borders and changing money. Being able to know exactly what the price of your currency is on a certain date can save you an upwards of 10% by allowing you to shop around.

There was a time I actually found a currency exchange giving a better rate then the real market price. I unloaded all the money I had on me at the time and was able to pay for a week of hotels with the profit!

6. Skype and other VOIP

When traveling an expense that can quickly add up is the cost to phone home. Skype and other iTouch VOIP applications make cost mere pennies to call home. These days even 3rd world countries are starting to have city wide wi-fi access. I have been in rural jungle Asia speaking crystal clear back home to North America – every time I find it amazing!

Further reading – How to convert your iPod Touch into an iPhone with Skype

7. Being able check and store email

Checking your emails goes without saying since everyone traveling wants to stay in touch with loved ones back home.

I use the email function at a different level – data storage. Before I go on a trip I email myself a copy of my passport, my health insurance, bank numbers and anything else I may need in case I get robbed or lose my documents. In one of my experiences I was at a border crossing and forgot a copy of my passport. I presented my iTouch with my passport displayed on the screen and the border attendant was able to use that info to let me into the country!

8. Passing time

The Apple app store is jam packed with all sorts of games that are a savior when waiting for a bus, train or plane.  When traveling there is a lot of downtime and the iPod Touch can help make that time fly by. Puzzle games like Line Up and Flood it have killed many of my waiting hours.

9. Keeping up to date on current events

Another category of Apps that the iPod Touch has zounds of is news aggregators. With a wi-fi connection you can instantly download all the stories of the day into your pocket. Also you can subscribe to podcasts that allow you to keep mentally sharp and globally up-to-date. When traveling I always have the need to keep up-to-date with what is happening in the country I am traveling as well as back home.

10. Journaling and scrap-booking

When traveling, you are constantly facing new situations and running into new ideas – basically you are creating memories. It is common to record your experiences so that you can look back and relive you travels.

The iPod Touch has a bunch of apps that allow you to clip webpages, write journal entries and even blog your experiences. I make sure to keep a log of the tips I pick up while traveling so I can help others and learn along the way.  Other travelers I have met kept detailed web clippings of every place they stayed.

Bonus: Maps

The iTouch map apps allow you to know where you, where you’ve been are and where you are going. There have been times when I was completely lost and the map features helped me navigate out of a bind. Although some countries are not yet fully Google mapped, you can usually get a general idea of your surrounding area.

A common unknown about the iPod Touch is that it has GPS like capabilities so you can always see where you are on the map.  Super handy wherever you go!

In short my iPod Touch has been a great asset throughout my travels. Now I am almost dependent on it and I cannot see how some people manage to travel without it!

If you are in the market to purchase a 3rd Generation iPod Touch Amazon is currently offering them at the best price here.

Are there any valuable ways you have used your iPod Touch while traveling that we have missed?

These newly designed headphones trump what Apple previously shipped with its iPod because they include a highly sensitive microphone and inline remote control.  However like any stock product there are a couple areas in which these headphones could be improved. This headphone/microphone combo contains a wide range of functionality.  It has a super sensitive microphone that you can use to record voice memos or speak to your friends on Skype.  It essentially allows your iTouch to function as an iPhone. Stock iTouch headphones have a remote attached to the right earphone cord which allows you to control your tunes with your iTouch safely stored in your backpack or pocket.  You no longer will need to pull out your mp3 player to pause your music, control your volume, skip your songs or repeat your favorite tracks.

Like all Apple earphones, these are only available in their flagship white color.

Where the stock iPod Touch headphones fall short is they fail to provide any audio dampening. The earbuds are comfortable but they do not form to your ear.  Also, like any mass distributed product the material these headphones are made from isn’t the highest quality.  If you would like more information about the downsides of the Apple stock iPod Touch headphones, visit our article why you should upgrade your iPod Touch stock headphones. If you are looking for an upgrade from your stock headphones you can find a wide variety of solutions on our products page.

This product is compatible with all iPods however the microphone/remote functionality only works with the 2nd gen iPod touch, 4th generation iPod nano, and 120 GB iPod classic.

If you are willing to pay a little bit more you can get headphones that have:

• Better quality bass and acoustics
• More comfortable earphones
• Stronger quality materials
• Increased microphone sensitivity

The stock iTouch Microphone/Headphones are not built from top quality materials.  Actually one of our demo products broke within a couple days of use.  The problem is the headphone plug is strait and can easily be broken off while in your pocket or plugged into other devices (ours broke on an airplanes arm rest).  Other products we have reviewed have more streamlined plugs so they can swivel without being stressed.  This cuts down on the chance of you breaking them.

If you would like to replace your stock iPod Touch Headphones Microphones with a better quality product we suggest the following high end headphones with microphones:

Apples headphone with microphone combo or Griffins TuneBuds Mobile

If you are looking for more information on the iPod Touch stock headphones/microphone you can find it here.

Apple stock iPod Touch headphones and microphone.

Apple has created the creme of the crop when it comes to iPod Touch microphone/headphone hybrids.  The In-Ear Headphones with Remote and Microphone are top of the line when compared to other iTouch mic products.

Just like some other products we have reviewed this headset/microphone combo has a remote on its earphone cord so you can play, pause and stop your music on the go.  The remote can also function as a call pick up button if you set your iPod Touch to take phone calls and volume control.  We have explained how to set up your iPod Touch as an iPhone here.

The iPod Touch in-ear Headphones and Microphone sleekly designed, as only Apple engineers can make it.

Here is the detailed feature breakdown:

• Each earpiece contains 2 separate high-performance drivers (a woofer and a tweeter) that bring detailed sound across the entire sonic spectrum
• There is a control capsule (remote) located on the cable of the right earpiece which houses the microphone
• Audio Headset Features: Adjustable Volume Control
• Frequency Response: 5Hz-21Hz
• Impedance: 23 ohms
• Sensitivity: 109dB
• Cable Length: 330.0 mm.
• Wired Connectivity: Mini Stereo
• Includes: Carrying Case, Silicone Inserts
• Ear Cushion Material: Silicone

This product compatible with the iPod touch (2nd Gen), iPhone (3G), iPod nano (4th Gen), and iPod classic (120GB). The great audio in the headphones works with all iPod models.

According to Griffin this product allows you to:

Do more than upgrade the headset that came with your iPhone … let your own favorite earphones work smarter with SmartTalk.

In addition to the SmartTalk noise-canceling microphone, Griffin has included SmartTalk’s control buttons that let you Play, Pause and Skip forward your music.  You can also use this button to answer your calls if you upgrade your iPod Touch to an iPhone with Skype.

Things you need to convert your iPod touch into and iPhone:

• A second generation iPod Touch running on the latest OS3 firmware
• An up to date copy of Skype’s latest iPhone Application
• The stock headphones that came with your iTouch
• A microphone that is compatible with your iPod Touch – we recommend the Griffin’s TuneBuds Mobile.

Step 1

Make sure you have a solid WiFi connection and your iPod Touch is up to date with the latest firmware.

Step 2

Download and install Skypes iPhone Application (download Skype app).

Step 3

Create yourself a Skype account and register a user name and password.
Note: Skype-to-Skype calls are free. If you want to call regular cell phones you need to buy some Skype Credit.

Step 4

Plug your iPod Touch microphone and log into your Skype App with your new name and password.

Step 5

Dial away, talk through your mic, and listen through your headphones – It is that easy!  Enjoy not signing a contract.

Related Posts

• Free iPod Touch Applications that need a Microphone
• 10 Reasons why you need an iPod Touch while traveling

According to Griffin:

TuneBuds Mobile’s slim headphone/mic plug connects to the headphone jack of your iPhone or iPod, allowing you to talk, listen, or control your music, recordings, and phone calls.

Another great feature that the TuneBuds have is called ControlMic.  This is an external controller that allows you browse through your music via your headset cord.  You can also choose to answer calls or send them to voice mail which is handy if you convert your iTouch to an iPhone.

Also like most of the products we review this is a Skype compatible microphone, along with the growing list of mic apps for the iPod Touch.

Not only are the TuneBuds Mobile compatible with the 2nd gen iPod touch the microphone also works with the 4th generation iPod nano, and 120 GB iPod classic.

Websites that offer SMS via iPod Touch browser

There are a number of websites that offer free browser SMS.  These are the ones we liked the best.

• SMS.Dynadel.com Pros – Free/Designed for iTouch Browser.  Cons – Need to know the carrier of your SMS reciepient.
• TxtDrop.com Pros – Free/Nice user interface.  Cons – None except that it doesn’t redirect.  No problem go to txtdrop.com/iphone.
• cbfSMS Pros – Free/UK SMS capabilities.  Cons – Only available in the UK.

iPod Touch Apps that can send SMS messages

Recently there has been an influx in SMS apps in the iTunes store.  Here are some that stick out.

• JellySMS Pros – Good interface, check out their demo video.  Cons – The app costs $0.99 on iTunes.
• BoCoSoft’s Free Texting SMS Pros – Provides users unlimited texting for free.  Cons – The app costs $0.99 on iTunes.
• Unlimited SMS Pros – Sleek Apple-like user interface.  Cons – Really high price on iTunes at $4.99.

Other ways to send messages via your iPod Touch

I stumbled across another way to send SMS messages from your iPod Touch at this post.  Basically it states that you can simply email yournumber@teleflip.com with the message you want to send, but after further research it appears that service has now gone out of business.  I recommend staying away from companies that retain your email or phone number in order to send a text message to your friends.

SMS is another step in the process to turn an iPod Touch into an iPhone.  If you know of any other ways to send SMS from your iPod touch please leave a response.

Shazam (free)

Perhaps the most useful application to hit the iPhone and iPod touch, Shazam will stop you from asking “what is the name of this song again?”.

What the app does: Shazam uses unique technology to automatically identify songs as it hears it.  You place the microphone to the song you are listening too and Shazam will then let you know the title and artist of that song.

Shazam needs a microphone to pick up and convert the audio of the song you want the name of.  Cannot be used with out an iTouch microphone.

Shazam’s itune store: “Shazam now supports the 2nd generation iPod touch (external microphone required).”

Voice Memos (comes with iPhone OS3 firmware update)

Everyone that updated their iPod Touches with Apples latest mobile operating system will notice that they now have an app called Voice Memos.

What the app does: Voice Memos is a quick and easy way to make an audio recording.  You can record audio snippets and reminders.

Without an external microphone this application is essentially useless on the iPod Touch.

Fring (free)

Fring is a mashup application that allows users to text, chat, send clips and instant message.  With the addition of an iTouch microphone fring can also be used to make affordable calls, both locally and internationally.

What the app does: Fring allows users to keep in touch with their friends through a number of different social mediums.

Although a mic is not necessary, many of this apps functions will not work without an iPod Touch microphone.

Skype (free)

Skype once revolutionized the web community when it started offering extremely cheap VOIP phone calls online.  It is now shocking the world by offering its same services for iPod Touches and iPhones.

What the app does: Skype enables users to call each other toll free from any WiFi zone.  You can also call traditional phones at much lower prices than traditional cell phone carriers charge.

You could download Skype (download Skype app)on your iPod Touch without having a microphone connected, but you would be able to type to your friends.  Well I mean you could still call them, but with out a mic they wont be able to hear you back.