iPhone Payback #2: Multiple iPhone Functions Can Replace Many Devices

The table below lists a variety of gadgets and devices that can be replaced with Apple iPhone functions. Many of these functions are integral to the iPhone while others can easily be added with download of a free or low-cost app. Simply put, the iPhone can replace several hundred dollars worth of electronic gadgets – and combine them all into one portable and easy to use device. Another blogger logged twenty-three devices he was able to replace with his iPhone.

The point is, if you are thinking of buying or replacing some of these items, it may be wiser to allocate your dollars towards the cost of the iPhone instead. Owning an iPhone also makes it possible to have devices that you might not otherwise buy. For example, I often thought it would be neat to have a basic police scanner, but never got around to actually spending the $75 – $100 to buy one. With the iPhone, a free download lets me monitor emergency calls in my hometown as well as in other cities around the world. Pretty cool stuff.

In some cases, iPhone functions may not be as robust as a stand alone device. The Kindle e-reader app for the iPhone, for instance, is not as good as the Kindle itself. Still, it is a very good e-reader that will suit the needs of many people. Moreover, it is a lot easier to carry around. For me, the Kindle has become the e-reader I use at home while the iPhone is what I use when traveling.

Devices that iPhone Functions Can Replace

Device	Estimated Cost if Bought Separately	iPhone Cost
5 Megapixel Digital Camera; 720p Video Recorder	$150	Included
Police Scanner	$75	Free Apps Available
Multi-Function Flashlight	$25	Free Apps Available
GPS	$100	Free Apps Available
iPod or mp3 Player	$100	Included
Digital Compass	$20	Included
Digital Level and Clinometer	$30	Free Apps Available
Flash Drive Storage Device	$50	Included
Travel Alarm Clock	$25	Included
Basic Calculator/Scientific Calculator	$75	Included
E-Book Reader	$114	Included
Pedometer	$25	Free Apps Available

The Payoff: As you can see, the Apple iPhone can pay for itself by replacing useful and necessary devices you might otherwise need to buy. The iPhone is a true modern-day Swiss Army knife. Carry an iPhone with you and you will always have a flashlight, music player, camera, voice recorder, compass, calculator, level, GPS, flash drive, alarm clock, stopwatch, pedometer, e-Reader, and emergency scanner with you as well. I figure my savings to be at least $400.