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image While the basic iPhone 3G costs just $199+ for the hardware, you’ll pay a bunch more over the long run for the cell subscription—making AT&T shareholders very happy.

Maybe the way to go is to snap up a used iPod Touch on eBay; with an inexpensive upgrade it should be able to run iPhone e-reading apps. Check to be sure about the particular used model you buy. Here’s a Touch for $205. Read the fine print, including mention of scratches; no, I don’t know anything about the seller, so this isn’t a rec.

OK, gang, what do you think? What’s your advice for the tight-budgeted people eager to try Stanza and other iPhone apps?

Update, around 12:30 a.m., July 13: I bought a Touch refurb for $210 and will keep you posted on how it does as an e-reader.

Question of the moment: Should I sell my Palm TX, since the Touch looks destined to run the same apps and more? I’m still turning that one over in my mind.

Related: Wikipedia on the iTouch. Find out the differences between the Touch and the iPhone.

 
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