WHAT'S HOT: The Toshiba Pocket PC E570 costs about the same as the Cassiopeia E-200 and the IPaq H3850, includes both CompactFlash and Secure Digital slots, and boasts a slightly brighter screen. The two expansion slots, located at the top of the unit, can accept a wide variety of add-ons, including a 56-kbps CF modem and a wireless network card. Toshiba bundles some of the same extra software titles as the IPaq H3850 and Jornada 565, but not as many. You get a nice task switcher, Microsoft Money, Microsoft Pocket Streets, a handful of games, and several e-book titles, but no utilities.

WHAT'S NOT: We had problems getting the pad to make selections every time we pressed it. The single side control activates the voice recorder, which captures too much noise to be of much use. (Turning sound all the way down for recording and then back up for listening seemed to help some.) The rechargeable battery can't be removed.

WHAT ELSE: The design of the E570 is disappointingly bland: a straight row of silver application buttons and a small, unadorned directional pad. The brushed-silver unit's flashiest design elements are its cobalt-blue sides, two rubberized strips you can swap out for other colors. Battery life is a few hours--typical for Pocket PC devices--but you can't swap the battery.

UPSHOT: The E570 looks nowhere near as stylish as the IPaq or the Casio E-200. But overall, it delivers a strong set of features compared with other Pocket PCs, and for a few dollars less to boot. It also provides a slightly brighter screen.

SUMMARY

Toshiba Pocket PC E570 Pocket PC 2002 OS, 64MB internal memory, 2.8-by-2.2-inch active screen area, 240 by 320 resolution, CompactFlash and Secure Digital card expansion slots, built-in lithium ion rechargeable battery; 6.3 ounces; one-year parts and labor warranty, 24-hour daily toll-free tech support. $569 888/874-8247 www.toshiba.com