The 6290 'midrange' smartphone

[slitchfield]

Nokia has unveiled the Nokia 6290, a 'midrange' 3G smartphone based on S60 3rd Edition. The Nokia 6290 is expected to begin shipping in Q1 2007 with an estimated retail price of 325 Euros before subsidies or taxes. New features include multiple alarms and handy 'Quick Cover' access keys, plus an interactive world travel application. The full press release follows... Pics also shortly...

Read on in the full article.

[krisse]

Great! This kind of thing is exactly what's needed if Symbian is going to go really mainstream.

Most importantly it's cheap, it looks normal instead of nerdy, and it's a proper clamshell instead of an enormous hulk like the N90.

You could imagine someone buying this instead of a non-smart clamshell like the 6131, the price isn't that different and neither is the form factor.

[ravis_31]

Has AAS got a test unit or something?I'd sure like to see the profile view of this thing and how it stacks up with other clamshell in terms of features and performance as well as design.

[sunnycricket]

look wise 6260 is cool! 6290 is a bit let down

[krisse]

"look wise 6260 is cool! 6290 is a bit let down"

I think you have to look at who the phones are aimed at. The 6260 looked like something that would appeal to smartphone enthusiasts but not to the general public.

The 6290 is much more likely to be popular with ordinary people who've never considered a smartphone before, which suits the low launch price too.

[Orophin Anwarunya]

Now this is more like it. Classy and neat.

Pity no one will know about it, short of seeing it on a display in Carphone Warehouse. Nokia need to step up advertising.

[slitchfield]

No, AAS hasn't got a test unit yet, but I dare say Rafe will be having hands-on time tomorrow at Nokia World.

Steve

[nj7]

Seems like an N75 for EMEA markets... and more cheap

[Brengla]

Where is the pen key? I use the pen key alot so would be gutted if Nokia ditch this from all their forthcoming phones!!!

Please don't do it, please!!!

[Sebhelyesfarku]

I hate clamshells so I don't care.

[krisse]

"Where is the pen key?"

I'm not sure, but I think it's at the side of the phone. Nokia put the pen key on the side of their last mid-range S60 3rd, the 5500. It works quite well actually, it means you can hold it down with one hand while using the keypad with the other.

[Mr_Sparkle]

A nice Side-by-Side picture comparisson on the Reg with the new Nokia 6086

http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/11...clamshell_etc/

Probably slightly larger than it's S40 cousin but in the main not a bad size phone. Might be what my Mother-in-law is looking for to replace her 6630.

[jukkaeklund]

No pen key on the 6290, sorry.

[slitchfield]

REALLY? How do people edit/copy/paste text or change text modes then?

Steve