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1. Palm Treo 500v
For those put off the new Apple iPhone by its high cost, the Palm Treo 500v could well be the answer – it’s a lightweight (120g) and very pocketable smartphone that will keep up with whatever work or play needs you have. Best of all, it’s free on a new mobile phone contract. The Treo runs the latest Windows Mobile 6 operating system and comes with mini-versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and you can also install lots of other software, from games to sat nav. There’s no built-in Wi-Fi for wireless internet, but the phone’s fast 3G data connection gives speedy internet browsing – ideally get a contract with unlimited data downloads. Email can be set to ping across to the phone automatically. The Treo is fast and easy to use, with a solid feel to the buttons and a great user interface. The keyboard is tiny but fine for dialling numbers or writing the odd text or email and, while the screen isn’t touch-sensitive, it is clear and bright. Battery life is around two to three days of average use and Bluetooth, a built-in music/video player and a two mega-pixel camera are all included.

2. Datawind PocketSurfer2
This gadget does exactly what it says on the tin – mobile internet access with the minimum of fuss – so you can just switch on and go. Web browsing uses the slower GPRS system, but as internet pages are compressed before you see them, they load up reasonably quickly. The mobile-phone-like keyboard is fine for inputting web addresses or short emails, but as the colour screen isn’t touch sensitive, moving around it using the pointer keys can be slow. As well as general net browsing, there are shortcuts to useful web sites such as online data storage, maps, word processing and email. There’s no phone, but then that’s not the point, though there’s also no sound or headphone socket so no MP3 music. The PocketSurfer is internet-only, so you can’t use it without a mobile phone signal and you can’t add more programmes. However, battery life is reasonable at about four to five hours of constant use. The device comes with 20 hours per month of free data use for a year – so is good value if you’re online a lot – after that it’s £39.95 a year for the same usage.

3. Nimzy ProtoKey
Your PC – whether at home or work – is chockfull of private and highly confidential information and letting it get into the wrong hands could be disastrous. That’s where the ProtoKey comes in – it’s effectively a padlock that secures data away from prying eyes. It’s a tiny device – looking like a normal USB flash drive – and simply plugs into a spare USB port. With it plugged in you can create files and folders that then become invisible and undetectable when the ProtoKey is removed. Plug it in again and the files reappear. Don’t lose the key though as retrieving your files could be tricky. The device also allows you to restrict use of the internet on your computer – handy for stopping other people accessing dodgy web sites.

4. Gear4 BluPhones headphones
We’ve tried out Bluetooth headphones before, but this set has the added advantage of a microphone so you can make and receive mobile phone calls. The BluPhones are comfortable to wear – a flexible strap loops around the back of your ears and round behind your neck – and you can easily slip the 26g device into a pocket. Once paired up with your mobile – which must be stereo-Bluetooth compatible to get the full effect – sound quality is acceptable, though not hi-fi. Music was slightly tinny but certainly good enough for the daily commute. Tiny buttons on the headphones take care of volume control and track selection, and another switch allows you to make and take hands-free mobile phone calls. Again, call quality isn’t perfect but still perfectly usable. The built-in rechargeable battery gives an ample five hours of music or calls.

ALL PRICES ARE CORRECT AT THE TIME OF GOING TO PRESS. WE’VE SEARCHED EXTENSIVELY TO FIND THE BEST DEALS, BUT YOU SHOULD ALSO CHECK FOR STOCKISTS YOURSELF

Palm Treo 500v
Verdict: A fully-featured phone and pocket computer in a small and light design – also fantastic value.
Price: Free on a new Vodafone contract, visit
www.vodafone.co.uk
Contact: http://euro.palm.com/uk/

Datawind PocketSurfer2
Verdict: Novel gadget and ideal for internet addicts, though others may be better with a smartphone or laptop.
Price: £178.99 from www.ebuyer.com
Contact: www.pocketsurfer.co.uk

3Nimzy ProtoKey
Verdict: Simple to use and effective – a good choice to protect data security at home or work.
Price: £39.99 from www.widget.com
Contact: www.nimzy.com

4Gear4 BluPhones headphones
Verdict: Versatile and light, great for combining music and calls on the go so perfect for commuters.
Price: £36.99 from www.amazon.co.uk
Contact: www.gear4.com

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