When the first generation of Pocket PC-powered handheld computers appeared, the Compaq iPAQ instantly stole the lead on its brethren thanks to its smart futuristic design and innovative features.

Two years on and other Pocket PC manufacturers have realised that style sells and no one more so than Toshiba.

In terms of features, the e310 Pocket PC sits at the entry-level end of things but that's not to say it's particularly lacking.

It is fitted with the now-standard 206MHz Intel StrongARM processor with 32MB of memory, but the only expansion option is via the SD Card slot. This can still be used for adding more memory or a Bluetooth network card, for example, but there isn't much else available in this format at the moment.

The e310's screen has a resolution of 320 x 240 and displays in 16-bit colour. It's just as clear in broad daylight as it is in complete darkness thanks to its reflective backing and an effective back light. (It's actually a 'front' light but the result is the same.)

As with other Pocket PCs, the screen is touch-sensitive and a stylus slots into a hole on the top of the case, just next to the small, recessed power button.

We started off by mentioning style and that's something that e310 has no shortage of. It's no larger or smaller than any other Pocket PC but, at 12.4mm, it is a good deal thinner.

Its square lines are also completely sheathed in brushed aluminium, making it tough as well as chic. It's certainly a design that will give the iPAQ a run for its money.

Five buttons on the front of the case offer the usual short cuts to the built-in Pocket PC 2002 applications, and there's a four-way pad for scrolling through documents and even playing games. There's also a jog-wheel on the left of the case, making it possible to use the e310 with one hand.

Compared with other Pocket PC models, the built-in speaker is a little tinny but it's more than adequate for the usual Windows noises and there's a 3.5mm headphone socket for anything more demanding, such as MP3 playback.

Toshiba also supplies a chunky USB docking cradle, mains charger and a vinyl slip-case.

All the usual Pocket PC 2002 applications are present in the form of Pocket Word, Excel, Internet Explorer and Outlook. How you work with these is up to you, since there are four ways to enter data.

The tiny on-screen keyboard is best left alone but the two different character-by-character handwriting recognition options (one of which is the same as the Graffiti system used on Palm devices) work very well.

There is also a proper cursive handwriting recognition system but the success of this depends on how neatly you write. The latest version of Media Player and a handful of other utilities supplied on CD-Rom is all the software you get.

You do get more with other Pocket PCs but, to be fair, little of it is useful and there's no end of excellent Pocket PC shareware available on the internet, including our personal favourite, a replacement for the lamentable built-in calendar called Pocket Informant, available from www.pocketinformant.com.

Price: £369 (inc. VAT)

Contact: Toshiba 01932 828828
www.computers.toshiba.co.uk

Also consider: Toshiba E570
A great all-round performer. £463 - Worth it.