Smartphone review: The Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini

When many people used to think of smartphones, they pictured a great big black slab with a QWERTY keyboard on the front and all the sex appeal of Bernard Manning. It was a business thing. Until the iPhone came along, of course. It put smartphones on the mainstream consumer map and made style and fun as important as functionality in many people's buying decision.

But, despite what the press (and particularly Steve Jobs) may want you to believe, not everyone wants an iPhone. There are millions of mobile users out there who have grown to love the likes of Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson. And those companies are well aware of the range of customers they have, and how best to meet their needs.

For example, not everyone wants a brick-sized lump with a screen as big and clear as their TV. What's wrong with making a smartphone with all the good stuff, but less of the girth? Something in an array of colours that a lady could pop in her handbag for a night out, but still check her emails, Facebook etc?

If that's the kind of smartphone you're looking for, check out our review of the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini. It's as compact as a credit card, comes with a multitude of snap-on backs, but runs the Android operating system with aplomb. It's all there - Google Maps, YouTube, Facebook and the rest - alongside Wi-Fi, GPS and 3G connectivity. It really is a little beauty.