It's a PDA, camcorder, MP3 player

GIZMO GALLERY

The O2 XDA range of PDAs offers a combination of very powerful palmtops and very versatile mobile communicators. On the computing side, the XDAs come equipped with an Intel PXA 263 processor at 400 Mhz and a minimum memory of 128 MB.

It works off the Windows Mobile system and comes pre-loaded with office applications like Word, Excel and Powerpoint. The high-quality 3.5" screen display supports excellent full-colour 320 x 240 views.

On the communications side, the XDA has tri-band functionality, optional Wi-Fi, GPRS, MMS and Bluetooth. It offers full internet browsing capability and a couple of "minor" functions "� it is a serviceable MPEG camcorder, a full-colour built-in VGA digicam and an MP3 player.

It's not cheap, though "� the entry level device comes for around Rs 36,000. But then, consider the range of functions.

 Mini PC

The new ThinkCentre S50 ultra small desktop from IBM weighs only 6 kg and it is smaller than most notebooks. The S50 measures 28cm by 26cm by 8.4cm high "� around the size of a phone directory. It carries the latest Intel processors, high-speed optical drives and has up to 2 GB memory.

The design is tool-less and it can be disassembled without a screwdriver. The thinkCentre also carries IBM's famous IT-management software, including Rapid Restore for preserving data and applications in case of system failure. At Rs 38,000-Rs 48,000, the ThinkCentre S50 offers excellent value for money.

 New iMac

The new iMac G5 desktop from Apple has drawn rave reviews. It packs everything  behind a flat display in a case that's less than 5 cm thick. The OEM offers a wireless keyboard, wireless mouse and combo drives along with either a 17" or a 20" LCD screen. The  20" can display two normal internet pages together. Users can also watch DVDs in 16:10 aspect.

The G5 runs on the Mac X OS and offers formidable graphics. The G5 can run 64-bit applications under the Mac OS X or legacy applications from Mac OS IX.

The iMac is wireless-ready "� pop in an AirPort Extreme Card and hook up an AirPort Express to your DSL connection or cable modem to surf the internet wirelessly, listen to tunes in another room and print wirelessly. Starts at Rs 1,23,400.