The Amstrad e-m@ilerplus replaces the original e-m@iler, a home phone and email device launched 18 months ago. Immediate differences are a smart new look, some bonny extra features and an extra £20 on cost.

The e-m@ilerplus is very simple to set up. We were popping off emails five minutes after breaking open the box, despite dire warnings stating that those who don't digest the weighty instruction manual will not get the machine to work.

Composing messages is simple thanks to the rugged keyboard, which hides away under the front of the phone when not in use.

The e-m@ilerplus uses software that is virtually indistinguishable from the old. Microsoft Internet Explorer Mobile has been added to facilitate simple web browsing but it's unconvincing and slow to surf anything but the most basic sites.

The monochrome screen is comfortable to use despite its dinky dimensions and its low resolution is fine for punching out the odd email.

When the screen is not in use, it busies itself by flashing up a selection of adverts. Pressing the button under it links you straight to the website of the service being advertised at cost to yourself.

Part of the e-m@ilerplus package is the ZX Sinclair Spectrum Games Centre. Fans of the '80s home computer can relive the good old days of computer-game fun by downloading a few favourite titles. They cost 50 pence to download and that buys just three days' worth of play-time.

Other costs include 12 pence each time you dial up to collect email or surf the web, and around £12 a quarter to enable alerts to let you know when mail is waiting.

It's a fun little device but owners of online PCs really have no need for it.

Contact
Amstrad: 01277 228 888 www.amstrad.com