New Ipod Touch with camera and mic?

I really wonder whats the big hype with all the convergence. First Apple decides to come up with the iPod Touch and iPhone, which are essentially the same device (except that the iPod Touch does not come with the call and SMS functions). Then they tag a price premium for iPhone and launches it exclusively by telecommunication operators in different countries/regions. Now it seems that all the bells and whistles of the iPhone (still sans the call/sms function) will be implanted into the next generation of iPod Touch.

Let's take a look at what the current Ipod Touch lacks in comparison to the iPhone:

1. Phone (including SMS)
2. Camera
3. Stocks
4. Maps
5. Weather
6. Notes
7. Mail

Apple addressed this issue with an iPod Touch update that upgrades the device to include the Mail, Maps, Stocks, Notes & Weather applications found on the iPhone. The upgrade costs $20 via iTunes. Source: http://www.appleiphonereview.com/reviews/ipod-touch-vs-iphone/

So, how does 1 actually differentiate the two now? I think the wiser choice would be to go for iPod Touch and buy another (cheaper) mobile phone. That is if you like apple. However, if you are a die-hard Apple supporter (or rather, fanboy), I guess you would probably buy the iPhone first THEN maybe get the iPod Touch another day. Personally, I do like iPhone's sleek design, user-friendliness and intuitive interface although I would attribute some of the popularity of Apple's devices to ingenious marketing by Steve Jobs.

I cannot help but bash Apple for their unreplaceable battery issue, which has now probably been forgotten and forgiven by everyone else. (Most mobile gadgets have replaceable batteries which consumers can simply remove the back casing and replace the old battery with a new one)

To me, this is monopolizing/antitrust and an unethical business practice. Definitely Apple would argue that customers will still be able claim the warranties on their devices from the company.

It also leaves consumer with little to no choice other than to 1.) DIY or go to a third party repair shop and risk getting your warranty voided and loss of information due to negligence (remember the Edison Chen saga)? 2.) Bring it to an authorized Apple Care centre for them to replace your set with a refurbished one/replace the battery. However, there is still a likelihood of unnecessary divulgence of personal information. Besides, the warranty must be valid, which otherwise you would need to pay a higher price for replacing your faulty battery.

To me, it is a big issue since I once had a bad experience with an iPod that was out of juice and out of warranty. Battery life is one of my most important criteria in buying a device as I am someone who likes to play safe (Im a worrier by nature and do not want to miss a certain call/song when Im on the move). Therefore, I will not want to get any Apple devices yet... not even with the extra battery pack that sticks out like a sore thumb which also defeats the purpose of iPhone/iPod's sleek design

Source: http://asia.cnet.com/crave/2009/07/22/is-a-new-ipod-touch-with-camera-and-mic-coming-/