I've never had a PDA before, and I'm not usually one for flash gadgets, although I do like technology. However the Clie NX70V has me completely converted. And that means it probably has wide appeal from the non-tech-savvy to those with techno-joy.

It does all the normal PDA things - acts as a diary (allowing you to schedule recurring events is particularly handy), lets you write memos and draw diagrams, lets you make "to do" lists, have an address book, etc.

It also lets you view, edit and create files in a number of formats including Word, Excel, Access and an art package.

It takes photographs and digital video footage (better than a mobile phone, but not as good as a good digital camera. It can store voice memos, play MP3 files.

You connect it to your PC via a cradle which is supplied with it. Once installed you just sit it in the cradle and push the button and all the information synchronises between Clie and PC. You can also transfer information via the memory card (which is the same format as many digital cameras etc, and fits in a port in my printer) or via a LAN card into a network. The data can go straight into Outlook, or other applications according to your needs.

You can input or edit data in three different ways. You can either use the mini-keyboard inside the Clie, or you can put up a virtual keyboard to type on with the touch stick, or you can use handwriting. The handwriting system is very natural, and apart from having to learn a slightly different way to write certain letters (such as K, X, V, F) and soon becomes familiar enough to be as fast as typing.

I thought it might be something I didn't use very much, but my Clie has won a place in my bag. It is smaller and lighter than a diary and does so much more! I've been amazed at the number of times it has been hand to take a photo, for example. And the more I learn about it the more useful it becomes. I know also that ther
e is loads more it can do - you can download programs and games for it. Besides it is a sexy little thing, with its rotating screen, bright colour images, clear sound, and feature packed format. It will make other PDA owners jealous. And most importantly it makes life easier.