BERRY useful; OUR PICK OF THE LATEST COMMUNICATIONS CROP.(Business)

ABLACKBERRY is fast becoming the essential bit of kit for small business owners.

After a bit of a shaky start, many people are now realising that this portable device - which combines email, phone, internet access and more - can make life a lot easier.

Long hours are part and parcel of setting up on your own but this nifty gadget frees you from being tied to a desk to stay in touch with customers, staff and suppliers. It lets you get on with the rest of your life - dropping the kids off at school, sneaking off for a game of golf, gym workout or pampering session - without any guilt or missing a crucial email or call from a client.

You get to pick and choose when to answer and when to ignore communications.

There are currently three main models and we've given you the lowdown on them here.

Prices for these devices vary wildly on the High Street, depending on the network and tariff you choose.

BLACKBERRY 8820

FOR the business traveller this, the first dual-mode BlackBerry, combines access to international satellite systems and Wi-Fi connectivity for data access and voice support. It switches seamlessly between Wi-FI and GSM for the best network coverage. Plus it boasts a built-in Global Positioning System.

BLACKBERRY PEARL 8100

FOR the fashion conscious who want a slim, stylish handset that offers email, the internet, telephone, an organiser and a large range of lifestyle applications. It also features an enhanced 1.3 mega-pixel camera with flash, Media Player and Sure-Type keyboard.

BLACKBERRY CURVE 8310

THE small lest and lightest full Qwerty keyboard BlackBerry. Talk, email, surf the net, take and send photos, listen to music and watch videos. It has built-in GPS functionality and there's a satnav service giving a powerful all-in-one navigation system which is exclusive to Vodafone customers.