Toshiba PC e570

So far, Toshiba hasn't dabbled with Pocket PC - Microsoft's operating system for handhelds - and for a first effort, the e570 is pretty impressive.

It is by far the smallest of all the Pocket PCs we've seen and, at 180g, it's extremely light too. The simple design of the metallic case gives the e570 a crisply elegant look and two rubbery strips running down either side afford a little extra purchase.

A four-way directional pad, as seen on all Pocket PC 2002 devices, sits between four application quick-launch buttons and there's also a small speaker that's surprisingly loud and clear. Clear is also a word that applies to the TFT screen, which is sharper than that on the HP Jornada 565.

Unfortunately, there are a couple of grumbles. The first is about the infrared port. This sits at the left-hand side of the case, making wireless transfer of information to another device unnecessarily awkward. Grumble two is with the flap that covers the built-in CF Card slot.

Many cards (modems and network adapters being just two) have parts or cables that protrude from the slot they're in, which means that the flap on the e570 can't close properly. We're also less than convinced that the flap's hinge of folding plastic will stand up to repeated use, but only time will tell.

There is one nifty feature though: the e570 also has an SD Memory Card slot, which means you can expand the device's memory using one of those postage stamp-sized cards, leaving the CF Card slot free for something else.

Unlike the previous version, the new and improved Microsoft Pocket PC 2002 only supports the Intel StrongARM processor and the 206MHz version used in the e570 is the same as that used in other models. The 64Mb of main memory is supported with 32Mb of flash memory that can be upgraded to later versions of Pocket PC.

Contact: Toshiba 01276 694600 www.toshiba.co.uk

Also consider: Compaq iPaq 3630
Powerful and good looking, this is a terrific all-round performer. £398.

See also:

Toshiba e310

A stylish, slimline handheld computer.  08 Aug 2002

Sharp Zaurus SL-5500

The first commercial Linux PDA hits the shops.  19 Jun 2002

Sony Clie PEG T625C

A great all-round PDA with loads of style and plenty of excellent software.  13 Jun 2002

Palm m515

The m515 addresses some of the key weaknesses of its predecessor.  28 May 2002

Hewlett Packard Jornada 568

Great software bundle and excellent expandability make this a PDA to check out.  17 May 2002

NEC PocketGear

Very similar to other Pocket PC devices, but with a lower spec.  10 May 2002

Trium Mondo

Science fiction comes true as the first combined Pocket PC and mobile phone hits the street.  18 Dec 2001

Compaq iPAQ H3130

A stylish Pocket PC with an excellent monochrome screen.  12 Dec 2001

Seiko SmartPad 2e

A hi-tech folly that turns almost any pocket-sized PC into an expensive scribble pad.  20 Nov 2001

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