If you're looking for a phone crammed with software, and the ability to connect to Facebook and other social networks on the move, then 3's INQ1 Facebook phone (£90 inc. VAT on pay-as-you-go) may be worth a look. It's not a smartphone, but packs in some useful features.

The 2.2-inch screen is average for a phone of this size, with a 240 x 320-pixel resolution that creates crisp images. It's also bright and colourful. A set of navigation buttons, including a four-way directional pad, sit on the front of the phone, so you'll be able to make and receive calls, along with navigating the OS, without accessing the main keypad.

Good build

The handset itself belies the cheap price tag – it's compact and slips easily into the smallest of pockets, yet has a quality, weighty feel. It's clad in brushed aluminium on the front and rear, further adding to the premium feel. The sliding mechanism that reveals the numeric keypad is solid and precise, and more than matches those on more expensive rivals. The buttons are large and firmly attached, and offer great usability.

All of the applications are easily accessible from the phone's home screen. Pressing the menu button takes you to a colourful and simple grid of features, offering full control of the handset.

Integrated applications include Facebook software, Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger and Skype – offering free VoIP(Voice over Internet Protocol) calls. You'll even find Google Maps, although GPS isn't built in, so you won't be able to use it as a satellite navigation device. Even browsing the web is a reasonable experience, thanks to intelligent resizing and intuitive navigation.

Facebook access

This phone's main intention, however, is to offer mobile Facebook access to those on a budget. As such, it's easy to log into your account, with the ability to see profiles, read and send messages, view friends and even check status updates.

Hardware features are reasonable, with a 3.2-megapixel camera on the rear of the phone. There's no support for video calls, which is a shame as it's a 3G handset. Charging is done via a mini USB port and there's also software built into the phone, so connecting it to your laptop allows easy use as a modem. At 50MB, internal memory is limited, although more can be added via microSD card.

Those who prefer contracts to pay-as-you-go will be able to avoid the INQ1's £90 price tag and pick it up for free on a £15 per month tariff. The INQ1 is a great device, packing in a comprehensive software suite and a user-friendly setup, and offers all the features most people are likely to need at an impressive price.