Omni D360: ****

Since the first of the year, I have been testing the Omni D360, Techtonitron’s attractive new entry in the do-it-all device market. Compact and light at 4.2 ounces, with a turquoise titanium shell, it will fit comfortably in pocket or purse.

As a cellphone, it provides all the functions of any high-end wireless. It offers all the e-mail and Internet functions that users of BlackBerrys, Treos and iPhones have come to expect. The global positioning system worked perfectly, as did the camera, with zoom and low-light options. As a music player, its 20,000-song capacity will prove more than enough for most users. Its 500-channel TV downloads were adequate, especially combined with its ability to store up to 140 additional movies.

The text-editing function has glitches that I found awkward. The 98-language translation service did work well in those languages with which I have some familiarity. I will try to report on other languages with expert help in the future.

The D360’s blood-pressure readings were comparable to my self-administered home tester, although I have yet to have either calibrated with the instruments in my doctor’s office. The device did accurately diagnose my reflux, but its lack of medical accreditation inhibited its ability to prescribe medications at the local pharmacy.

I was disappointed in the culinary functions. Although the omelets were moist and flavorful, their small (0.8-by-0.8-inch) size made it necessary to consume several dozen before feeling satiated. The panini were excellent, if again on the small side. As a blender, the D360 left many of my purees coarse and heavy, an attribute that is sufficient for some cooking styles but not for the creation of the finest French potages, for example.

The washer had trouble with some of the tougher stains on my workout clothes, but the dryer performed well, if somewhat slowly, in my opinion. Most of the woodworking tools were fine if a bit unwieldy. This is an area in which a more intuitive ergonomic design could make a real difference.

The transition to tennis racket mode was cumbersome, but the racket itself had a powerful whip with an extra-large sweet spot. In my personal tests, I still prefer my 27-speed Cannondale to the D360 as a road bike, although the company claims that the mountain bike in next year’s version will be more competitive.

As a traveling companion, I found the D360 a knowledgeable guide to most urban areas, less sure-footed in the backcountry. After several days, it was impossible not to feel that in the role of conversationalist, the D360 was occasionally a bit of a bore. On the plus side, as a sexual partner, the D360 made up for in athleticism what it lacked in tenderness and genuine affection.

For all the functions that it performs well, at $990 for the standard model and $1,290 for the executive version, the Omni D360 will be snatched up by the more avid techies, but will remain beyond the reach of most consumers in the current era of tightening budgets.