Anyone have any experience using the Itouch Safari browser for logging into travel sites like Travelocity to make/change reservations, etc...? Also, can you easily access Google Earth via Itouch?
I don't own an Itouch, but my other mobile devices (PDA and smartphone) which run on Window Mobile, are not compatible with Travelocity or Expedia. The only travel site I've found that is compatible is www.lastminutetravel.com
I'm not exactly sure about Travelocity. You can go on any website with an iTouch. Some websites have a iphone format which is more easily navigable with an iTouch or iPhone but any other website will also work, you just won't be able to see the whole page at once. You can zoom in and out on any part and scroll around freely on the page. I'm not exactly sure why it wouldn't work. I'd recommend going to the Apple Store or emailing them to make sure.
As for Google Earth, there is a free app for the App Store that you can download. Therefore you can easily access it as long as there is wifi. The design is pretty easy to use, but I haven't used all that much yet.
The site seems to load fine. As the previous poster said, it's small so you have to zoom in and it looks a little different, but otherwise it is fine. the Ipod touch does not run on any kind of Windows platform, so it shouldn't have the same compatibility issues those mobile products have.
I suggest using the I-touch to make a reservation and wander around the site. My limited use with it says you can do it but you need to be patient.
Jack, I've had an ipod touch for about a month now and if you making a purchase decision based on how well the touch functions for browsing, I had similar concerns and find that the more I use it, the simpler navigation seems. It does require lots of patience though, retyping user name and passwords with your thumbs when you are a touch typist gets to be a drag, but ultimately I find that I do prevail. I recently took mine on a trip and left four pounds of laptop and brick at home. I'm sold on using my touch for travel communication. It's a great device.
Jack,
You should have no trouble using the I-Pod Touch to access web sites such as Travelocity, etc. The Safari Browser operates much the same as any other, however the controls are somewhat "basic". I've found that it really helps to have a look at the I-Pod User Guide on the Apple web site, in order to learn how to use it.
The main limiting factor is of course the screen size. If using the "landscape" mode (with the I-Pod turned on it's side), the screen is reasonably functional, but certainly not as good as a Laptop. Using the "pinch" control to expand text size works well. It takes some practice but after a while operating the device becomes somewhat intuitive and fairly easy to navigate.
The other main point about the operation is the Keyboard. If you're used to "touch typing", there's no way you'll be able to achieve the same speeds. Especially if you have large fingers, it takes some practice to learn how to press the desired key accurately. It works well for short messages, but I certainly wouldn't want to type a novel using that small keyboard!
I've never tried to access Google Earth but the Google Maps function seems to work well. It's very easy (using the "pinch" control) to enlarge or scroll through Maps in either Satellite, Map or Hybrid mode. The Weather function works great also!
Since the I-Pod Touch is not capable of connecting to Cellular networks, the net access is limited to Wi-Fi locations. These are becoming more common in many places in Europe, although often in "public" locations (such as Starbucks) there's an hourly charge for access. I've stayed in a few Hotels here lately that had Wi-Fi installed, and found that it often worked quite a distance from the locations where it was supposed to work.
Cheers!
Thanks all for the current and any future posts. VERY informative!
Jack
I have personally been able to log into my Air Canada, Expedia and a few other websites from my iPod touch through wi-fi.
There are a few sites that it doesn't like (such as ones that use Flash to render menus, etc) but overall it's quite good.
Pete