An unusually large PDA-style smartphone, the HTC P6300 (codenamed the "Panda") is a Windows Mobile 5 device that is almost exactly identical in size to HTC's earlier device sold as the O2 XDA II from way back in 2003.

Be in no doubt - this is much larger than most tablet-style smartphones at 170 x 70 x 18mm and 160 grams in weight (just 20 grams lighter than the O2 XDA II). The large size means a large screen - in the case of the HTC P6300 this is a 3.5" 240x320 pixel touch sensitive display, plus a 2 megapixel camera, SD memory slot with SDIO capabilities, Bluetooth and WiFi support.



Windows Mobile 5 is a pretty familiar package, and it comes with support for Microsoft Office documents and the HTC P6300 supports Microsoft's Direct Push email. HTC are pitching the P6300 at business users, especially functions such as warehousing and delivery where the large screen is a bonus.

It's a slightly odd device - the HTC P6300 comes with Windows Mobile 5 rather than the new version 6. HTC have an upgrade programme for some of their other handsets, so it's quite likely that the P6300 can be upgraded at a later date.

We don't usually cover accessories at Mobile Gazette - but the Sony Ericsson HGE-100 is different from most accessories. At first glance, the HGE-100 looks like a standard wired stereo headset, but what sets this particular device apart is that it has a built-in GPS receiver.

The HGE-100 works alongside one of a number of Sony Ericsson phones to provide a satellite navigation system (using voice or visual prompting) plus a sports tracker application that measures distance travelled, speed and calories used. A more basic but equally useful function is the HGE-100's media control buttons, so it can be used to control the handset's music player.

It's a neat all-in-one device, and one advantage of it being wired rather than wireless is that it draws power from the phone itself. That means that the HGE-100 can be tucked in a pocket or bag until you need it - without having to worry about its battery. There's a standard 9mm jack connector too which gives some flexibility with headphones.

Not all countries allow you to use a wired headset in the car (the UK in particular), but as a personal navigation device this looks hard to beat.