Sprint’s ZTE Peel brings 3G to the iPod Touch

November 10, 2010 By Molly McHugh

The rumors were true - Sprint will soon launch the ZTE Peel, which promises to bring the iPod Touch as close to an iPhone as it can possibly get by acting as a mobile hotspot to keep the Touch always connected.

A lot of Apple owners concerned with getting wireless Internet access anywhere may have forsaken the iPod Touch in favor of the more capable iPhone and iPad. For those that didn’t, Sprint is about to massively increase your Web access.

November 14, the carrier will release the once-rumored ZTE Peel, which transforms second- and third-generation iPod Touch players into 3G devices. Users now won’t have to traipse around like a crazy person, iPod hoisted in the air, scrambling for a Wi-Fi hotspot. With the ZTE Peel, the iPod becomes its own Wi-Fi hotspot, and you’re just as good as all those iPhone users out there – except of course, that it has no phone capabilities.

Let’s address its’ baggage first. In the literal sense, the casing is going to significantly add some heft to the iPod. Then there’s the data plan pricing, which doesn’t seem sensible. For example, the Data Pro plan for the iPhone from AT&T is 2GB for $25 a month. For the ZTE Peel, it’s $29 a month for 1GB. However, Sprint doesn’t require an annual contract for the product.

Despite the disadvantages, the slider case provides a host of upgrades to keep the iPod Touch useful, relevant even. Two other devices can run off the provided Wi-Fi, and it allows you to run FaceTime while in transit. If all you really want are most of a smartphone’s capabilities and are willing to stick with your current phone, you’ve got yourself a deal. Hey, if you’re truly committed, you could just switch to using a VoIP for all your calling purposes. And if you defected from being an AT&T customer or have no desire to become one, then the data plan pricing may be of no consequence.

Aside from what it can do, what’s also interesting about the ZTE Peel is Sprint created it specifically for Apple’s product. Since the company can’t actually carry Apple devices, it’s certainly going to take advantage of marketing accessories for them.

Sprint will begin selling the ZTE Peel on November 14 for $79.99.

Showing 2 comments

Patrick at 6:09pm 25th November 2010 I'm very much looking forward to this.I am doing this from my iPod right now. Although, I do have one correction; the peel supports 2 devices, including the iPod. But my question is, if I already pay for unlimited Internet through my cell plan, do I have to open up a whole other plan, or be able to use my current plan. That could be the potential dealbreaker for me.
Leon Mitchell at 11:55am 10th November 2010 I feel like this is a great idea for Sprint and believe it or not, for Apple as well. A lot of people (myself included) are hesitant to buy and iPod Touch because it is only good when you have a Wi-Fi connection. Now with this new device, you can use ALL of the features without the need of Wi-Fi. I think its a win/win for both Sprint and Apple.