If you are looking for a Pocket PC PDA and want to be at the cutting edge, then you need Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition because it supports VGA screen resolution (640 x 480), and, well, it's just the latest thing. There will soon be a number of Pocket PCs running this operating system available in the UK, but the first to drop into our hands is the Pocket LOOX 720 from Fujitsu Siemens.

It runs that 640 x 480 screen, which is clear, crisp and easier to read than the 320 x 240 varieties. It has both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi built in and you can run both independently from the 'Today' screen. If you want to get really fancy there is a utility for controlling connections included on the ROM.

Then there is the memory. 64MB might still be the norm for Pocket PCs, but the Pocket LOOX 720 has a rather more generous 123MB of available memory and a further 28MB of Flash storage for backups and other crucial data. The flash storage in particular means that this is the kind of Pocket PC you might be prepared to use for work as well as for leisure. The provided backup software even lets you password-protect backups, which is a nice touch.

Next, consider the built-in camera. It's not up to the standards of a stand-alone digital camera, but it's capable of shooting video and stills, the latter up to 960 x 1,280 pixels. If you want to view images taken with a separate digital camera, either Compact Flash or SD cards will do to transfer the files, as the Pocket LOOX 720 has slots for both. You can add SD-based peripherals too, as SDIO is supported.

On the power front, the battery is removable and replaceable with a spare, and it gave five hours and 40 minutes of continuous looped MP3 music on test - with the screen turned permanently on. Set the screen to go off and you'll get more.

The headphones jack is a 3.5mm type. This matters if you don't want to mess about with converters for your favourite headset, and the fact that the jack is in the top edge of the casing helps if you don't want to jar the connection in a pocket or bag.

And all this, based around a 520MHz Intel PXA 272 processor, is put together in rather distinctive-looking hardware and for sale at what is, in Pocket PC circles, a very respectable price.

There is nothing to say that another hardware manufacturer won't come along and do all - or much - of what Fujitsu Siemens has done with the Pocket LOOX 720, at an even more attractive price. But for the moment, the Pocket LOOX 720 is a very desirable PDA. We want one.