Sony CLI PEG-TG50

Sony has a habit of producing attractive, distinctive products, and the TG50 is yet another great example of its design skill. Its most obvious feature is the integrated keyboard, which should appeal to those who get frustrated with handwriting recognition. The keys are inevitably small, and there's no separate line for numbers, but if you want to type a quick reply to an email or send an SMS using a Bluetooth-equipped phone then it does the job simply and quickly.

Unlike the NX73V and NV90, this time Sony doesn't go overboard with features - there's no digital camera and no swivelling lid - and consequently it keeps the TG50's size down. In fact, this is a surprisingly svelte device, and we're not too concerned by its weight either. True, 155g is more than many rivals, but this is due reflection of the CLI's all-metal chassis, which exudes quality.

No-one should complain about the TG50's portability either. It kept going for a stunning 11 hours, 57 minutes in our light-use test, and eight hours when used for MP3 playback. It can also be placed directly into a pocket without fear of screen damage, as this CLI has been designed from the ground up to incorporate a flip-up lid that protects the screen on the move.

The screen itself can't quite match that of the NX73V and NV90. Not only is it a 'mere' 320 x 320 resolution, but its width of 52mm makes it look small in comparison. But if you're using the TG50 in isolation, you should be very happy: it's brightly lit, has good viewing angles and images look vivid.

There are many characteristics the TG50 shares with its more expensive brethren, though. To start with, there's the Jog Dial to help navigate through all pages, but it's most useful for Sony's own CLI Application Viewer. We're not huge fans of this, as it tends to make things harder to access, but it's easy to switch back to the standard Palm OS view.

Sony's features-over-simplicity approach is also shown by the sheer number of shortcuts and extra buttons on and above the keyboard, which makes it confusing at first - where do you start? But once you get used to the Japanese company's way of thinking, you'll come to appreciate the flexibility on offer. There are nice touches too, such as the Hold button for when you're playing music.

Although there are no earphones or Memory Stick in the package, the TG50 still provides good value for money at £214. It's neat, it looks great and the build quality is beyond reproach. If you want a keyboard, it's an obvious choice.