The Pocket PC V36 offers a respectable list of specs, but the most appealing number is its price: $299 at the time of our review. That amount gets you a 300-MHz XScale processor, a healthy 64MB of RAM, and Microsoft's Windows Mobile 2003 OS. Also included is an integrated camera that takes still pictures and videos at resolutions of up to 640 by 480 pixels. The camera provides an impressive array of options, among them the ability to adjust settings such as white balance and brightness. But the interface is difficult to navigate, and using the stylus to tap the tiny software-based shutter button is awkward. We would have preferred a simpler camera with a more easily navigable interface, as well as a dedicated button for quickly snapping pictures or starting video recordings. The V36 does, however, have a hard button for starting voice-memo recordings.

If you're looking for wireless capabilities, the V36 is not your best choice. ViewSonic sells a $129 Wi-Fi card for the V36's SD/SDIO slot, but the added cost makes the total package more expensive than models such as the $379 Dell Axim X3i, whose integrated Wi-Fi is far more elegant than the card protruding from the top of the V36. However, if you don't think you need Wi-Fi, at least the card option gives you peace of mind in knowing that you can add it at a later date. As for the display, the V36's 320-by-240-pixel, transflective LCD is bright and easy to read, but the screen on the aforementioned Dell Axim X3i exceeds it in both brightness and color saturation.

The V36 includes Microsoft Pocket Office, which allows you to take Word documents or Excel spreadsheets on the road, as well as to play music and video files in Windows Media player. The device also comes with Microsoft Outlook 2002 and ActiveSync 3.7 for syncing data with your PC over the included USB cable. (A USB cradle costs an extra $30.)

Upshot: The V36 is a well-priced, basic Pocket PC. The integrated camera, though a bit clumsy, is still a fun extra.

Seán Captain