RIM's latest BlackBerry device offers a format more like a mobile phone handset for those who admire the wireless email capabilities of BlackBerry kit but do not want the rather big BlackBerry clients that have so far been available.

While few would dispute that the BlackBerry has been a breakthrough device, some have carped that previous models have been awkward in shape because of their qwerty keypads.

To answer that criticism, the BlackBerry 7100 has recently been introduced, available in the UK initially through mobile carrier Vodafone and branded as the Vodafone BlackBerry 7100v. The device's innovative design is likely to find favour with many waverers.

Slim and lightweight, the 7100v looks from a distance like a standard phone. Close up, it becomes noticeable that there are more keys and they mostly have two letters inscribed rather than the usual three. This is the first clue to RIM's ambition of squeezing a qwerty layout onto a phone-size keypad without reducing text input to the multiple key presses often required to get the desired characters on a phone.

The most impressive trick RIM has pulled off with the 7100v is SureText, a predictive text input system that surprises with its accuracy. Predictive text is disliked by some handset users because it is often fiddly and tends to produce poor results. However, we found that SureText does an excellent job of guessing the writer's intentions without the user often having to select individual characters.

This capability applies to dictionary words but also word structures. Type in a name like Kelly, for example, and SureText correctly identifies it. SureText sometimes fails with unpredictable text or alphanumeric strings, but it recalls strings in the future after they have been used once.

The new keyboard may look challenging but we found it easy to adapt to. People accustomed to SMS texting as well as qwerty keyboards will find it easy to use. However, prospective users should try out both input styles if email is the overriding reason for their purchase. We found that within hours of first using the 7100v we could manage equally fast input but with greater accuracy than with the full-keyboard BlackBerry devices.

Another new feature is the high-resolution colour screen, certainly the best RIM has yet offered on a BlackBerry. This makes web browsing and other document viewing a more pleasant experience. Screen icons are also sharper and Bluetooth support is available to connect to wireless headsets and hands-free kits.

Despite the radical changes to the keyboard, screen and format, some features are familiar. The trackwheel remains a good way to navigate screens and select options, and the email capabilities remain excellent. Personal information management (PIM) tools are available and there is SMS and instant messaging support.

Battery life is about three-and-a half-hours of talk time or 200 hours in standby mode; voice calls over the Vodafone GSM network caused no problems, and the 7100v has quad-band support for roaming.

Some users will rue the lack of a digital camera or Flash memory card slot but even in this new format, the BlackBerry will be bought principally for its mobile email capabilities.

Choosing between the classic BlackBerry format and the orthodox phone styling of the 7100v will be a matter of taste. RIM said that it created the 7100v mostly for small and medium-sized businesses but the device is also likely to appeal to staff at larger organisations who prefer using a smaller device format.

Price: £85.11 with an email service at £15.75 per month, or Vodafone Anytime 100 service at £31.49 per month. Free with Anytime 1000 service at £74.34 per month. All prices ex VAT.

Contact: Vodafone

07002 64 64 64