Sony Ericsson Z200

With a design that is bound to appeal to the younger user, the robust Z200 is a quirky looking phone with a circular screen woven into the outside of the clamshell handset. This displays caller identity information and whether a text message or voicemail is waiting for you. The rest of the time a digital clock, battery life and signal strength are displayed, though you can opt for a more conventional clock face with digital hands.

In another feature geared for the younger set, if you get bored of the look of your phone you can change the removable cover. These come in a variety of colours, with two choices included in the box. There are also personalisation options including downloadable polyphonic ringtones to supplement the 40 tones preloaded on the phone. You can also download wallpaper to liven up the bright, clear screen.

The menu structure is pretty straightforward using the four-way navigation button. The phone's overall responsiveness is a little disappointing, though, particularly when you're writing a text message, as there's a slight delay before the characters appear on the screen. It's not so much of a problem while you're getting used to the handset but in time it gets rather frustrating.

A quick scroll through the menu reveals that the phone comes with WAP services for internet browsing and, as it's tri-band, you can even use it in the US.

You can also take advantage of the phone's infrared port to transfer sounds and images from an infrared-enabled PC, phone, handheld or notebook computer. As the handset comes with basic image-editing software, you can even customise digital images in order to create your own wallpaper.

Weighing just 98g, the Z200 can easily be slipped into your pocket but there's also an attachable strap if you want to hang it around your neck or from a belt loop. Whether or not you're happy walking around with £140-worth of phone on display round your neck is entirely your choice.

Contact: Virgin Mobile 0845 6000 600
www.virgin.com/mobile

Price details:
£120 With Virgin Mobile
£200 Contract