Looking for a better way to take your pre-trip planning with you? Frommer's may have the answer you're searching for - as long as you have an iPhone or iPod Touch.

Earlier today the market leader in travel guides began releasing portions of their 2008 guides for New York, San Fran, London and Paris to iPhone and iPod Touch Frommer's in Your Pocketcustomers for the low price of $9.99. The content is ad-free and you don't need an Internet connection once you've completed your download. And if you've used a Frommer's guide, you know they're chock full of local travel tips, restaurant and hotel reviews by writers who've actually been there.

More guides are scheduled for release later this fall.

I don't know about you, but I love this kind of innovation. I'm tired of cumbersome books that are out of date before they're published - never mind the hernia factor when you're hoofing your own luggage. A couple guides can add up to a lot of back pain.

"The Frommer's titles offer travelers the same high-quality, reliable information as the popular paperback guides, but in a completely new way," according to S. Mark Williams, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of Modality. "Most travelers are already carrying these personal media devices with them. The expanded functionality of the iPhone and iPod offers ease of use and unlimited information at consumers' fingertips, greatly enhancing their overall travel experience."

It's not all sunshine and roses though. While the guides also feature interactive maps, web and phone links, they're still missing reviews from non-writers. I've relied on Frommer's more times than I can count, but sometimes I just want the real deal from a regular Jane - someone who's sharing just for the sake of sharing. Hopefully Frommer's will get that hint eventually.

For now, if you're one of the millions of iPhone or iPod Touch users, you'll appreciate the handiness of these guides when you're traveling. "There's no doubt technology is changing the way we travel, and by partnering with Modality to bring Frommer's to the iPhone, we are positioning our content to appeal to the most savvy pleasure and adventure seekers in the marketplace," said Larry Olson, Vice President and Marketing Director, Professional/Trade, Wiley (of which Frommer's is a branded imprint).

Do you prefer electronic guides when you're traveling?

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