O2 XDAMINI

I loved the look of the O2 XDAMINI mobile phone, so I got one with great intentions. It was a bad move on my part. It just crashed constantly and was slower than a bad PC. Eventually I found out how to remove the preinstalled O2 software, which actually kills the thing as far as speed and reliability are concerned. It was a great improvement, but it still takes forever to let you start writing a text for example. I guess Windows (whatever version) will always be the same.

I still don't like it. The stylus has now taken to falling out all the time, because whatever holds it neatly in place has given up the ghost. Although it's a 'mini,' it's still too big and heavy for me. The screen (although it's best feature) is just too dusty all time.

The outcome? I've gone back to using my trusty SPV C500, and the XDA Mini is now up for sale on eBay.

My O2 XDA II S is the exact same mobile phone badged as an Orange SPV M2000. The initial teething problems were covered in a software upgrade, and the only issue I ever have now is no sound on phone calls, but this seems to only occur about once a week. Treat the phone very much like a Windows PC (which in essence is what it is) and it is reliable i.e don't try and make it do too much in one go.

Screen: Fantastic clarity and resolution, although it is big and attracts all kinds of dust and rubbish!

Battery: In no way does it last 7 days. Firstly they don't tell you that it is between two batteries; and secondly, each one lasts me about 2 days.

Features: This is where it excels and leaves every other phone on the market in its dust. I can log on to my corporate network, check my emails, chat on MSN messenger, and once I'm done with work, I can switch on the (bought for extra) Tom Tom Navigator and let it tell me the way home. There is very little it can't do, either as standard or after buying extra software is added.

Reception: No different to my old Nokia 7610, although it does seem clearer when the signal is weak.

Style: It's not the most svelte thing in the world, but I will defend it and say it most certainly gets attention. Every time I get the mobile phone out in a crowded place, someone asks about it.

Value for money: I got it on a free upgrade, so it represents infinite value for money. The RRP of a non-network model is £540?, at that price you'd do better to get a dedicated PDA and a phone separately.

Overall, I would give it 90%, as there could be some improvements, but I will give it the full 100%, because I have to remind myself it competes very well in the mobile phone market, and it is streets ahead of what we usually call a mobile phone. Only for people who can handle technology, otherwise highly recommended!

The O2 XDA II S mobile phone is a combination of a mobile phone and a PDA, neither of which it is any good at.

I constantly miss calls and text messages because it is too quiet, and it crashes more than Maureen off 'Driving School'I put Sat Nav software on it, and I find it crashes and has to be re-booted seven or eight times before I can get it to work.

I am on my second XDA, as I broke the screen and had it replaced on the insurance. This is also a lemon.

If you need a phone and PDA, buy them separate.

The O2 XDA II S is a complete waste of space.