Video is a mixed bag. The mylo's 2.4-inch screen is bright and sharp, making watching video surprisingly pleasant. The catch is getting your content onto the device. The documentation says to convert video into the only format (MPEG4) that the mylo can read by using Sony's Image Converter 2 software, which is not included. In fact, as far as I could ascertain, that software is no longer available for sale anywhere. The good news is that the Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) gaming device uses the same video format, and there are a variety of options available, free and otherwise, for converting video for use on a PSP.

Speaking of the Sony PSP, the format of the memory stick is the same for the mylo and the handheld gaming system. You can pop a stick out of a PSP and insert it in the mylo, and all the audio, video and picture files are automatically available.

On the downside, there are no personal information functions available, such as a contact list or calendar. There is a text application for jotting quick notes, but that's about it.

The Sony mylo is an interesting gadget for a very targeted audience. It works well as a Skype phone and acceptably as an instant messaging device -- if you use the supported IM services.

However, there are cheaper devices that provide these capabilities as well as or better than the mylo (including Sony's own PSP). As it stands, US$350 seems to be a premium price for the features currently supported.