Apples iPod classic released

The iPod Classic has a metal face, not a plastic one. The shiny, curved chrome-like backplate is still there, but now it's attached to an anodised aluminium sheet that curves gently forward before forming a flat space in which the display and click wheel are mounted.

The casing - its the same material used in last year's iPod Nano update - is tactile and has a satin sheen quite unlike the patent gloss of old. That's good for the black Classic, which is now far more resistant to fingerprints than its predecessor was and probably more resistant to scratches, though only time will tell for sure. The back of the player however, is just as susceptible to scrapes and scratches as it always was, as we discovered when we were a little reckless in docking the device.

Apple launched its iPhone

Apple's hugely anticipated iPhone is finally a reality. As expected, it makes calls and supports a digital-music player that syncs with iTunes. The thin design is dominated by a vivid touch screen that showcases videos and photos beautifully. You'll also note a lack of buttons and controls as all menu navigation and data entry from typing messages to dialing phone numbers is done on the touch screen. Other features include quad-band world phone support, a 2-megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, stereo Bluetooth, a speakerphone, e-mail and a Safari Web browser. Memory caps out at 8MB and there's no 3G support or wireless downloads, but the iPhone will garner interest simply because it exists. It's available June 29, exclusively from AT n T, for $499 or $599 depending on the memory size.

Despite some important missing features, a slow data network, and call quality that doesn't always deliver, the Apple iPhone sets a new benchmark for an integrated cell phone and MP3 player. Remember, the iPhone functions as an iPod as well as a phone.

Specs: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 (Quadband), Up to 480 min, With digital camera/digital player, 2.4 in x 0.7 in x 4.5 in, 4.8 oz