I used to think the original Palm personal digital assistants (PDAs) were the coolest things around but that was before the launch of the latest Handspring devices.

The Handspring Treo 270 is a fliplid PDA that uses the Palm operating system, doubles as a colour mobile phone and weighs just 5.4 ounces.

Slightly larger than most flip phones, the Treo 270 is comfortable to use and has provision for a hands-free headset.

When you open the protective cover you can view the speed-dial menu, which stores up to 50 names.

The 270 offers the same combination of phone and PDA features as Handspring's monochrome models.

It runs on a 33MHz Motorola DragonBall processor and comes with 16Mb of onboard memory.

The Treo 270 allows you to use wireless email, SMS text messaging and offers internet access. But there are a few downsides to the Treo 270, including the price, which is a little higher than I would like to pay.

The backlit miniature keyboard allows you to enter data but the buttons are small.

It doesn't have a 12-volt car adapter but apparently the USB port allows you to connect an AC adapter for desktop use. This is messy but more than adequate.

Despite my minor gripes, this is an excellent piece of technology that is leading the way in PDA design.

Price: £299 (with contract from O2); £499 (without contract).

Contact: 020 7294 0157.

Feel good factor: 8 out of 10.