The iPhone is the latest superstar in a lineup of smartphone.



These are devices which typically combine the functions of a cellphone together with a computer. Imagine carrying a computer, barely larger than a pack of cards in your pocket with the ability to check your email, surf the Internet, send pictures and videos to your friends and family and you have the idea of what a smartphone is capable of.

The Apple iPhone sports a 3.5 inch screen, among the largest in devices of this class and is ideal for viewing videos and even movies on the device.

It is a Quadband phone, supporting 4 cellphone standards - GSM 850, GSM 900, GSM 1800 and GSM 1900, meaning that the mobile warrior who is travelling between the United States, Europe and Asia will be able to use the phone wherever and whenever they want to.

Internet access is not neglected either. The Apple iPhone supports EDGE a 2.5G cellphone communications standard, high speed EDGE and Wi-Fi communications networks and Bluetooth 2.0, for compatibility with wireless cellphone headsets.

Apple has stated that there are plans for a 3G version of this phone, which shouldn't be an issue as 3G networks aren't common to all major metropolitan cities now.

With all these issues, battery life should not be an issue with the phone providing 8 hours of talk time, 6 hours of Internet use, 8 hours of video playback and up to 24 hours of audio playback. If the phone is not in use, it has a stanby time of more than 250 hours.

While the Apple iPhone is slightly larger than the average ?talk only? cell phone, at 4.5'2.4'0.46 inches and weighing in at 4.8 ounches, this isn't a major compromise when you compare the alternative of carrying a cell phone, an MP3 player and a laptop computer around to mirror the functions of the iPhone.

The goal of an all-in-one device that marries the functions of multiple devices, in an easy to use interface, AND featuring a stylish design has always been on the wish list of technology enthusiasts everwhere.

With the arrival of the Apple iPhone, this goal was achieved. The launch date of 29th June was certainly one big step for Apple fans everywhere.