The iPod touch has been the world's premium MP3 player for some time now, and with the launch of the new iPod touch 4G model, that doesn't look like changing.

Despite the new iPod touch being even thinner than last year's model, Apple has managed to squeeze into it a super-sharp Retina display, two cameras and the A4 processor that powers the iPhone 4 and iPad.

These key hardware upgrades mean you can now make FaceTime calls and record and edit HD video, just like you can on the iPod Touch 2010.

Apple hasn't copied the iPod Touch 2010's form factor, however, so the touch retains its shiny metal backplate, which is as prone to fingerprints and smears as it's always been.

 

The Sleep/Wake button has moved to the right-hand side, to match the iPhone and iPad, but the headphone connector remains on the bottom, next to the dock connector.

With a feature-set that's so close to the iPhone 4, comparisons are inevitable, even though, ultimately, one's a phone and the other is a media player with a whole load of extras. Importantly, there's no ongoing cost involved with the iPod touch, which there is if you sign up for an iPod Touch 2010 with a contract.

 

There are three iPod touch models in all: an 8GB offering for £189, a mid-sized 32GB version at £249, and the top-end 64GB one, costing £329.