Finding touch

The 4th generation model is thinner, faster and loaded with genre-bending functionality, and with a new phone and tablet on the market, Apple seems to be going full steam ahead in all directions. Manufacturers have traditionally staggered releases of new technology over time, so what is Apple up to? Is it going for global gadget dominance? Let's take a closer look at the touch 4G to see if it is in reach.

The form of the touch 4G follows its predecessors closely, except that it is super thin this time round at 7.2mm - the thinnest mobile device I have seen. Apple has kept the smudge-attracting chrome back plate and the unit weighs in at 101g - 36g lighter than the iPhone 4.

Following its iPhone 4 and iPad relatives, the new touch also houses the Apple A4 processor, which handled all tasks smoothly, even concurrently. The Retina display, with a 960x640 resolution and 326 pixels per inch, is impressive but not up to the pack-leading quality of the iPhone 4's display.

The screen is a big lift from the last touch's

But although the screen is a big lift from the last touch's, it isn't as sharp as the iPhone 4's, viewing angles aren't as broad and it's not quite as bright.

One interesting possible use of the touch 4G is the calling capabilities of the unit. If you are mostly in Wi-Fi range, it can largely replace a normal mobile phone with the help of a VoIP app, a possibility that the mobile phone networks must be terrified of.

Nice feature that enables free video calling via Wi-Fi

FaceTime is a nice feature that enables free video calling via Wi-Fi, although it can only be used with other devices running iOS 4.1. Sadly, there is no AVI, DivX or XviD file support, which is a shame since the device would be the ultimate cross-platform portable media player with such compatibility.

It could also become the phone of preference in Wi-Fi-enabled environments, especially for those who are yet to upgrade to a smartphone, which would offer many similar functions.

The wafer-thin dimensions

Users will like the wafer-thin dimensions, fast processor, clear and responsive screen and good range of applications, but might be deterred by the disappointing still camera, the lack of GPS and a potential overlap of functionality with their existing smartphone.

Unless you already have a recent iPod and smartphone with overlapping functionality, find an excuse to buy the touch 4G, and enjoy.