By Lawrence Akers

Apple have gone into overdrive in the past couple of weeks, releasing the 'revolutionary' new iPad and the announcement of the upcoming iPhone 4. Is it time to whip out the credit card and go into iOwe mode?

Now, stop. Take a step back. Tell me, is it really worth it? You know you're going to stand there and logically rationalise how you don't need them right now. However, you also know that as soon as you SEE them and HOLD them in your hand, it will be a case of MUST have them... and NOW.

Let's look at the iPad first, shall we. Put simply, it is the lovechild of a laptop and an iPhone. You can't make calls on it (unless you use Skype) and it doesn't have USB ports for added connectivity however it does look damn bloody cool! I mean, I was resistant to buying one but 10 minutes playing with one at JB had me wondering how I could tweak my budget to get one in sooner than later.

Of course, in China where the iPad is still not released, they have the 'iPed'. It looks identical to the iPad however iPed runs on the Google Android operating system. However, with only 128mb internal RAM, it is going to be a lot slower and clunky. But then it also comes at a far more appealing price point, coming in at just under AUS$200. We're not going to tell you how to find it however a quick Google search should provide you with some results.

The general consensus from those that own the iPad is that it is money well spent. Considering the most basic model is going to set you back around AUS$700, this conclusion could be reached from many who are trying to convince themselves that this gadget really is as revolutionary, thin and sexy as what the TV adverts claim it to be. However, let's face it - a line from the ad says "You already know how to use it" which roughly translates as "This is just a giant iPhone without the ability to phone anyone."

Speaking of iPhones, version 4 is about to knock at your door and there are some very exciting specs associated with the new version to really whet your appetite. This time around, the screen resolution is so good that the line resolution is greater than what the human eye can actually see. The old 3 Megapixel camera is being replaced with a new 5 Megapixel camera and it will now have the ability to capture and edit HD video content. Additionally, a camera at the front is going to allow you to do video conferencing from your phone to any other iPhone user or even those sitting at their Macs. Cool!

Like all things iPhone, love them or hate them, they are the must have gadgets for anyone who loves their brands modern, contemporary and downright sexy. They may not always be the best at what they do but they're now in more households than we care to mention and it doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon.

The question is - will you be jumping on board now or later? For lots more info and to drool over the pictures, click here. Or point, depending on your device of choice.