Baby Star Tac

It was inevitable, and now it has happened - a mobile phone that weighs less than its own charger unit. Most Gizmo readers will by now have seen Motorola's Star Tac mobile phone, the one that opens out like a make-up compact. It made quite a stir when it came out a year and a half ago, with the company trumpeting its status as the smallest, lightest mobile phone in the world.

But that was then, and this is now. There have been other little phones, like the exquisite, vision-in-chrome Nokia 8810, and the cute Ericsson GF-788. But now, Motorola has released the snappily-named v3688, designed to send all true mobile phone geeks into spasms of jealousy.

The new phone is just like a baby version of the Star Tac; even smaller and even more perfectly-formed. It also comes crammed with up-to-date technology such as the sound-enhancing EFR system, data compatibility, and a SIM Application Toolkit for future services such as traffic reports and share prices.

The hands-free set and the vibrating battery come as standard, and it is dual-band and therefore better for roaming.

The Baby Star Tac, around £400 (€508) with a connection, is available from most mobile phone shops.