WHAT'S HOT: Powered by a 400-MHz Intel PXA-250 processor and 64MB of SDRAM, the Zayo A600 is noticeably speedier than other Pocket PC models when launching applications. Sleek like the Toshiba Pocket PC E335, it weighs less than 5 ounces and measures about 5 inches long by 3 inches wide; it fits comfortably in a shirt pocket.

You can choose among four CPU settings to conserve precious battery life--from Turbo mode for games and video to Power Saving mode for less-demanding uses such as looking up contacts. Another feature we like: The AC adapter works with or without the syncing cradle, a nice extra for travelers.

WHAT'S NOT: The A600 is $550--a steep price to pay for a Pocket PC device equipped with only the basic features. Both the Toshiba Pocket PC E335 and the ViewSonic Pocket PC V35 cost less than this unit.

The battery icon that lets you know how much power is left is located in a menu, rather than at the top of the screen as on other PDAs. Aside from the basic array of Pocket PC applications, the unit comes with little in the way of extra software, aside from a few utilities.

WHAT ELSE: The buttons for power and voice recording (for those "notes to self" moments on the freeway) are located on unit's left side, while the headphone jack rests on the top-left side. A thumbwheel dial lets you cycle through and select applications.

Sound quality from the A600's diamond-shaped mono speaker is on par with what you might hear from a transistor radio--a bit grainy a times, but not uncommon for PDAs. AS with most Pocket PCs, transferring MP3 files to the device is quite easy.

The unit ships with an extensive manual with helpful illustrations, but it lacks an index and it has no page numbers (even though the table of contents lists them), so you must flip through sections to find information. Some sections lack enough information to complete a particular task. For instance, when searching for instructions on downloading MP3 files from a computer to the A600, the manual directed us to the Help files installed on the PDA. Step-by-step instructions in the manual may have saved some battery life.

UPSHOT: Sleek and thin, this unit suits power users looking for a performance edge in a Pocket PC PDA.

SUMMARY

Zayo USA A600 PPC Pocket PC 2002, 64MB of internal memory, 1.8-by-2.3-inch active screen area, 320-by-240-pixel resolution, Secure Digital expansion slot, lithium polymer battery, 4.9 ounces. One-year parts and labor warranty, toll-free support for 16 hours weekdays. $550 www.zayotech.com