SiliconRepublic.com Ireland's Technology News Service

3's Inq Mini 3G is a social-networking oriented mobile handset complete with Facebook, Skype and IM apps, but the best bit for the mobile user on the go is that the phone acts as a "plug and play" HSDPA modem, enabling high-speed wireless broadband on your PC or Mac.

These social web applications are not bolted on through the mobile web browser but rather integrated and embedded within the underlying software.

What can be synced

You can also sync the Inq Mini 3G with the iTunes library on your computer using the DoubleTwist software on board, and from most other media players, too, because DoubleTwist is open and allows for syncing of photos and video, too.

"The launch of the INQ Mini 3G underlines 3's credentials as the ultimate innovator in mass-market mobile handsets and keeps us at the forefront of social-networking trends.

"Hot on the heels of the INQ1, we are delighted to exclusively launch another slick INQ 3G handset that has an authentic Twitter 'always on' application," said INQ Mini 3G PR and communications director Rachel Channing.

"The INQ Mini 3G gives us a unique proposition to shake up the market - a 3G social mobile with the speed, usability and suite of applications capable of driving data usage in the mass market."

The Inq Mini 3G cost €99 exclusively from 3 Ireland on 3Pay from 3 Stores and stockists nationwide.

By Marie Boran

Photo: The Inq Mini 3G.