More functional and affordable than ever, the latest generation of smart phones may finally convince business travelers to leave their laptops at home. Enabled by nationwide high-speed  Wi-Fi networks, the newest handhelds easily manage traditional voice, e-mail and calendar tasks, but can also be used to browse the web, listen to music, watch videos, edit documents and even capture the moment on camera. Here’s a quick look at some of the most popular options.

At $399, the Palm Treo 700p (www.palmone. com) is one of the pricier models available, but its comprehensive software library sets the standard for multitasking. Full-page web downloads are speedy and readable, and the Treo is easy to operate with one hand. The T-Mobile Sidekick3 (www.sidekick.com) is a good choice for those who prefer e-mail to voice, providing a better-than-average typing experience with its flip-open screen and landscape-style keyboard. The BlackBerry Pearl’s (www.blackberry.com) smaller SureType keyboard may be a challenge for some users, but the Pearl wins points for portability with its slim profile and stylish aesthetic. The built-in BlackBerry Desktop Manager facilitates data synchronization with several software programs, including Outlook, Lotus Notes and ACT!

Motorola’s MOTO Q (www.motorola.com) is another good option for the design conscious, with an excellent display screen. Nokia (www.nokia.com) offers an affordable solution in its $149 E62 model, although the phone does not include a camera.