Handy Computer Guide

Riyad Emeran reviews the MDA Vario and though he notes the absence of 3G, delivers a positive assessment of the device's capabilities. 'The MDA Vario is probably the closest thing I’ve seen to a “do it all” mobile device. It works well as a pocket size data centre and is just about small enough to use as a phone. As a mobile data device the Vario doesn’t quite have the edge of the SPV M5000 or XDA Exec both of which offer 3G high-speed connections. However, I’ve been using the Vario as my mobile mail client for a few weeks and it works admirably. Likewise, it’s a great device for using instant messenger on the move – for a true testament of mobile computing, I recently spent a train journey chatting to my News Editor, Gordon over MSN, while he was sitting in Brazil with his notebook.'