Apple iPod Touch (2010 model)

This latest iPod Touch looks is much the same as the last one but there have been some significant improvements.

Essentially, the new features bring the iPod Touch up to the level of the iPhone 4. The screen has the same resolution as the iPhone 4's, which means that everything looks superbly clear (although older apps, if not updated, will look blocky on the new screen).

It's not quite the same as the iPhone's – a technical difference means the screen uses a different technology – but the effect is the same. It has the same processor as the iPhone 4, which gives it a speed boost, and it runs the latest version of the iOS operating system.

The rear-mounted camera of older models has been augmented by a front-facing camera that allows users to make video calls on Apple's Facetime service. Because the device doesn't include a phone connection, calls are made using the user's email address.

We found the process quite fiddly and tedious – it took a long time to get through the menus on an iPhone to call an iPod Touch user, the call took a long time to connect and video quality was poor even when both devices were on the same wireless network.

Both cameras can shoot video, with the rear one shooting at the 720p high-definition resolution. Sadly, still images are taken at a low resolution of 960x720 pixels.

Three versions are available. We reviewed the 32GB model, in the middle of the range.

The main feature missing is GPS and you can only connect to the internet via Wifi, unlike the iPhone, which can use mobile internet services such as 3G. But battery life was good – the lack of phone and GPS mean that the iPod Touch will last a lot longer from a charge than any smartphone – lasted several days in standby. It's also lighter than older models at 101g.

Despite its flaws the new iPod Touch is great. It's a good music and video player and it's useful for lots more. There's not much point if you already own an iPhone but anyone who wants the best bits of an iPhone without having to pay for a phone contract will find it excellent.