The iPod touch has something of an image problem: it looks like an iPhone, feels like an iPhone. It even includes Wi-Fi and web-surfing like the iPhone. And yet it patently isn't one - a quick look across its glass-covered fascia will tell you that much.

Compare the neat rows of icons on the iPod touch's UI with that of the iPhone and you'll see that it has 11 virtual buttons, compared to the iPhone's 17. The difference is in the number of apps that Apple has chosen not to give you.

The iPod touch doesn't have an email client, SMS text messaging or a camera. You can't use it for one-click access to your stocks or the weather, makes notes or get route guidance using Google Maps. And of course you can't make and take calls with it - even though in theory you could using a VoIP application and the iPod touch's built-in Wi-Fi. Bluetooth is conspicuously absent too.

The web, Wi-Fi and more

Of course the iPod touch does share some key apps with the iPhone: you get music and video playback (natch), web browsing via Safari, access to YouTube online videos, a photo viewer and a calculator. It also has a calendar and address book and enables you to buy songs from the iTunes Wi-Fi store.

But even when Apple does give you identical apps to those on the iPhone, they're also curiously crippled. You can't add entries to the iPod touch's address book or calendar, even though the iPod touch has a virtual keyboard. You also can't use it to make notes - another frustration. So what's to love?

Actually there's quite a bit.

The best iPod ever?

It seems churlish to have to say this, but first and foremost the iPod touch is a music and video player. It's arguably the best iPod that Apple has ever made. The multi-touch interface is delightful to use, and gives you easy access to your favourite albums and songs using Cover Flow, which enables you to scroll through your albums using its artwork.