Sony TG50

The TG50 is a sleek, if heavy, number from Sony. It is the company's second device using Palm 5, and Sony remains the only firm, besides Palm itself, to use the OS. Version 6 is rumoured to be launched later this year.

As is the case with most of Sony's models, we weren't particularly keen on the use of a lid.

While this protects the screen (which, incidentally, is great; but more on that later), it doesn't flip the whole way round the back and therefore feels cumbersome when in use; it's very difficult not to notice it if you're making a few notes or playing a game.

Apart from this, there's very little to fault in the device. The 320 x 320 screen is beyond reproach: clear, bright and unbeatable when it comes to video playback.

The stylus is long and, while the jog dial on the side is a welcome alternative, we preferred the stylus for navigation - even the extra scroll button and other shortcuts couldn't lure us away.

Despite the tiny buttons on the handily backlit Qwerty keypad, we found that entering text this way took no longer than using the stylus.

This device uses Graffiti 2 handwriting recognition, which we find an unsettling and confusing mix of the original Graffiti and Pocket PC's own data input system.

With Bluetooth, infrared and a Memory Stick slot, the TG50 is well featured.

There's also a shortcut to make voice memos on the left-hand side, while LEDs on the top of the device flash to indicate whether it is activated for Bluetooth, or recording.

Great value overall.

Contact: Sony
www.sony-europe.com/clie

Specifications:

• Palm OS 5
• Intel Xscale 200MHz processor
• 16MB Ram (11MB available), 16MB Rom
• 3.5in 320 x 320 resolution TFT screen
• Memory Stick slot
• Infrared, Bluetooth
• 71.6 x 16.2 x 126mm (w x d x h)
• 184g
• USB connection