Because the XV6700 runs Windows Mobile 5, it uses the same files and file structure as our desktops, unlike Palm OS devices. It also has all the necessary multimedia and Office applications incorporated into the OS, again, unlike the Palm OS.

I have to confess that I've turned to the Dark side. I'm now hooked on Pocket PCs and Verizon's XV6700. With it, I have been able to consolidate everything I need into one device. Its case is my wallet, and the XV6700 itself is my phone, PDA, picture album, dictionary, street atlas, library, Office suite, camera, media device, and so much more.

I really only have one complaint with the XV6700, and it's that damnable miniSD expansion slot. I realize it was included in the XV6700 due to its small form factor, and that the smaller ones, such as miniSD, microSD, and Transflash are becoming popular with mobile phones, but they are virtually impossible to find in a brick-and-mortar store.

My local Verizon store did carry a 1GB miniSD card, but I knew I could get one online for half their price, and it just wasn't worth twice the cost to walk out with one in hand. I would have been willing to sacrifice the camera in favor of a full-size SD slot. Because it utilizes the extremely difficult to find miniSD card, I have to pull one point from my rating of the XV6700, giving it a 4 out of 5.

OUR RATING: 4 of 5

Dr. Humayun Bakht completed his Ph.D at the School of Computing and Mathematics in Liverpool at John Moores University. Prior to his current course of studies, he has successfully completed his MSc Software Engineering and BSc Electronics Engineering from University of Liverpool UK and Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology in Karachi, Pakistan. Humayun's research interest is mobile ad-hoc networks, in particular, the development of a new routing algorithm for this type of networking. He can be reached at humayunbakht@yahoo.co.uk and you can visit his Web site at http://www.geocities.com/humayunbakht/.