HP IPAQ 6915

MAKE no mistake: this is a powerful smartphone and not just an email device. The 6915 is a fully functioning quad-band phone with WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPRS and EDGE capabilities, built-in GPS and a camera . . . as well as a proper QWERTY keyboard. All fantastic features, but one thing that it does not have is the ability to use 3G broadband, something which will become increasingly important in Ireland in 2007.

On the software side, the 6915 runs Windows Mobile and has full functionality when it comes to displaying and editing Microsoft Office documents. Being Windowsbased means that there is a massive catalogue of useful software that can also be installed on the phone.

Lightweight, with a standby time of 151 hours and a talk time of around 12 hours, this is certainly more than an email device and even more than a phone. Were it not for the lack of 3G integration, this phone would be on a "must buy" list.

Price: from 329 on o2. ie

NOKIA E61

JUST like the iPaq, this Nokia phone goes beyond being either just an email device or a simple phone. It was made to make the life of a business person much easier by enabling them to check work, personal and web email on the go, as well as being able to view and edit Microsoft Office documents. With Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Infra red, USB and 3G, this device is hyper-connected.

The Nokia runs the Symbian operating system but can handle all types of email including Microsoft Exchange and the full keyboard makes it very easy to quickly type emails and text messages. Slight downsides to this device are that it is a little bulky and does not have a camera, but that's just a minor issue. The software ensures that this phone is all you need to have a portable of"ce. Leave the laptop on your desk the next time you travel.

Price: from 139.00 on Vodafone. ie Motorola

MOTO Q9

ABOUT to be released in Ireland, the Motorola MOTO Q9 is an elegant and ultra-thin device that might start eating into the Blackberry market. Like the E61 and the iPaq, this too has a full QWERTY keyboard which we found the easiest to use of all three devices. This too is a quad-band 3G phone and also does Bluetooth, but unlike the E61 does not do WiFi, which may prove a disadvantage when at home or in the of"ce if you want to cut down on data charges.

The MOTO Q9 does come with a megapixel camera which takes very good quality pictures.

When it comes to software, the Q9 runs Windows Mobile and comes with a full complement of applications. Just like the E61, this is all you need if you want an of"ce on the go.

Even with the lack of WiFi, we are recommending this device because of the slim and sleek design, the powerful email and of"ce connectivity features, and the very comfortable keyboard.

Price: 249 on contract on Vodafone network within weeks.

Available on O2 and Meteor networks by the end of August.