An important event in the technology and gadget calendar has arrived today with the much publicized release of the Apple iPhone 4.

Measuring just 115.2x 58.6x 9.3 mm and weighing in at just 137 g the iPhone 4 is rather compact given its spec list.  Its dimensions offer a slight improvement on previous iPhone models.

A superb 3.5 inch TFT capacitive touchscreen boasts the ability to display up to 16M colours within a pixel layout of 640x 960 pixels.  A number of sensors gives the screen the ability to provide an unparalleled user experience.  From a gyro sensor, accelerometers sensor for auto rotate, a proximity sensor and multi touch input method the screen is also manufactured from advanced scratch-resistant materials which protects it from everyday wear and tear such as being dropped which is a scenario that many iPhone users are familiar with.

In order to communicate handsfree, users of the iPhone 4 are provided with an easy to use handsfree system along with an integrated 3.5 mm headset Jack which can be used alongside hands free kits as well as earphones for listening to music through iTunes.  Users are alerted to incoming calls and messages thanks to a combination of vibration and ringing with the option to assign MP3 music files as ringtones.

Even the basic model which comes with 16 GB of internal storage is sure to prove adequate for the needs of most users; however a 32 GB version is also available.  Because of the amount of internal storage there simply is no need for additional storage facilities such as a micro SD card slot.  The internal phonebook can store a large number of contacts and also includes the Photocall function.

The Apple iPhone 4 provides superb access to the Internet thanks to a combination of both 3G coverage courtesy of an HSDPA connection at speeds of up to 7.2 mega bytes per second alongside HSUPA at 5.76 mega bytes per second.  Integrated Wi-Fi Technology provides a faster Internet connection in areas where it detects the signals provided by wireless Internet routers.  Wi-Fi also allows users to make video calls.  Bluetooth and USB connections are provided as standard allowing users to carry out a number of different tasks by connecting to other compatible hardware devices.

Whilst the camera on the Apple iPhone 3GS provided 3.15 mega pixels, the Apple iPhone 4 offers a 5 mega pixel digital camera which operates at a pixel resolution of 2592x 1944 pixels.  Autofocus and touch focus are provided as standard which came to simplify the task of taking great quality photos.  An LED flash is also included which overcomes the obstacle of low lighting conditions.  The camera can also be used to shoot High Definition video footage in 720p quality at a rate of 30 frames per second.

The Apple iPhone 4 utilises an extensive list of features and technology to make it one of the most versatile and functional handsets available.