The only giveaway that there is something exceptional about the Mondo is the small phone aerial protruding from the top right hand side of the unit. To add phone functionality, all you need to do is add a valid phone SIM from your existing phone or take advantage of the Special Offer bundled with the package. The software to manage phone use is pre-installed. As a phone, there is no denying that the Mondo is bulky but the software is well-thought out, integrating sensibly with the PDA functions to make for a powerful tool. The speaker and microphone are effective, providing clear reception both ways and the hands-free option is also well implemented.

Where the Mondo comes into its own is for mobile data users. No longer is there a need for two devices struggling to connect via infrared or a bunch of cables. You can take advantage of the integral GSM modem to manage live connections to the Internet and for e-mail through the one device. The limitations of GSM still apply, so data throughput is still slow, making e-mail the most feasible but Pocket Internet Explorer will manage most Web pages, if you are prepared to wait. For those who can't, WAP is also available. Indications are that the upgrade path to GPRS will be a painless one, as the service becomes available but no prices are available for confirmation at this time.

Our single biggest gripe with the Mondo is with regards to memory. The Mondo comes with 16 MB--which is the minimum you'll see in a Pocket PC device. This is compounded by the amount of space that the Phone software takes up and the lack of expandability (there is no slot or jacket to add additional memory as with other Pocket PCs), which leaves you with little room for additional programs.

The Mondo is a great gadget, that is unusual in being the first of its kind, yet already a mature and well conceived product. With the Cash Back offer, it makes a good value proposition, if you have to have the latest toy and can live with the memory considerations. --Jason Weston