Ever wanted to trade stocks and watch television while sitting on the toilet? Then Sony's latest wireless gadget could be for you.

The Japanese hi-tech firm yesterday launched a portable screen that can be used to surf the internet, send email and watch TV, billing it as the digital era's answer to its revolutionary Walkman personal stereo. The Airboard, a sleek, lightweight 26cm monitor that comes with a base station to receive information, enables users to roam around the house and as far as the garden while staying connected and entertained.

Trading stocks while visiting the bathroom was listed as one of the Airboard's possible uses, as well as browsing the net or watching a video while cooking dinner. "There has been nothing like this in the world," said Shizuo Takashino, a director in charge of Sony's home electronics division.