Sony PSP

The good: The Sony PSP has a slick design; impressive wide-screen display; PS2-like graphics; built-in Wi-Fi, Web browser, MP3 and video playback, and image viewer; removable battery.

The bad: The Sony PSP's multimedia functionality is half-baked, especially for video; you need to supply your own software and expensive memory cards.

The bottom line: The Sony PSP elevates portable gaming to the next level, but its multimedia functionality falls short of its full potential.

Sony VAIO VGN-TX670P

The good: Extremely portable design; built-in cellular, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi; integrated double-layer DVD burner and instant-on player; very long battery life; excellent multimedia controls for a business machine.

The bad: Very expensive; cramped keyboard.

The bottom line: Though it's expensive, the Sony VAIO VGN-TX670P delivers a great combination of business and entertainment features, long battery life, and unparalleled connectivity in an incredibly ultraportable package.

Samsung SCH-i730

The good: Five-way wireless support (IrDA, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, CDMA 1xRTT, and EV-DO); speakerphone; comfortable slide-out QWERTY thumb keyboard; two batteries included; excellent third-party software support.

The bad: No support for modem use with a laptop; Wi-Fi and phone can't work simultaneously; Wi-Fi is a battery hog; no camera in initial Verizon release.

The bottom line: Small, light, and powerful, the Samsung SCH-i730's high-speed data support and built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi make it an excellent choice for those who have to stay connected at all times, though the crippled Bluetooth support may spoil the party for laptop road warriors.

The Samsung SCH-i730 for Verizon Wireless manages a pretty impressive feat: It shrinks a Windows Mobile-based smart phone into a form factor that actually fits comfortably in your pants pocket and includes broadband wireless, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a built-in keyboard, and a speedy processor. Despite some irritating quirks in its wireless support, the Samsung i730 stays in the running for the "Treo killer" title.