The introduction of Intel's PXA250 XScale processor and Microsoft's Pocket PC 2003 has seen a wave of new or updated PDAs hitting the market. Fujitsu Siemens' Pocket LOOX 600 is one such new gadget.

Built around a 400MHz version of the XScale chip, the Pocket LOOX 600 comes with 32MB of ROM and 64MB of RAM, 59MB of which is available to store data and run programs. Both a Type II Compact Flash slot and an SD card slot are provided, but the SD slot isn't SDIO-compliant so you can only use it to add storage memory.

The Pocket LOOX 600 is a stylish looking thing with a two-tone colour scheme. It comes with rubberized protection strips on the sides to give a small amount of protection, while its plastic carry case feels well built.

Built into the left side is a jog dial for scrolling through documents or Web pages, and this is also where the IR port and start button are located. The right-hand side of the unit holds the Bluetooth on/off switch and record buttons. The five-way directional pad is at the bottom of the Pocket LOOX 600, surrounded by four application buttons. Because these buttons have a push and hold function they can be configured to perform multiple tasks.

Unlike most of its competitors, this PDA's side-lit, 240 x 320 pixel, 16-bit colour screen isn't transflective. Instead it is one of the older-style reflective screens, but having said that, it is still very bright. It also has good contrast and is easy to use, although if you look closely when using ClearType there are sometimes brown tints to some of the characters.

One thing the Pocket LOOX 600 does have over the competition is a built-in light sensor, which automatically adjusts the brightness of the screen according to the conditions. If you prefer, you can still set the brightness manually.

Like most of the latest PDAs, the Pocket LOOX 600 comes with integrated Bluetooth but not Wireless. You will have to use a Compact Flash Wireless card if you want to make the device connect to the outside world using this standard.

Powering the Pocket LOOX 600 is a 1,520mAh Lithium polymer battery which, despite its size, gave the unit a battery life of only three and a half hours when tested. The test consisted of playing MP3 files with the backlight at fifty percent.

The stylus is plastic and felt just right in our hands, although some people may feel it is a little on the light side. The Pocket LOOX 600 comes with a robust cradle, and a plus point is that the synchronisation cable is detachable so you can synch the unit to any PC.

Fujistu Siemens has made a good attempt at producing a very stylish PDA. The Pocket LOOX 600 performs well, but there are a couple of grumbles. The lack of a transflective screen and a SDIO-compliant SD slot knock it back a peg or two against the opposition, but it does offer reasonable value for money.