Nokia 6290 - Versatile 3g Smartphone 

The release of this clamshell phone has been accompanied by much hype, since it features third generation Symbian technology. The Nokia 6290 has features that should satisfy most business users who demand access to technology on the run. Measuring 94.3mm x 50.6mm x 20.8mm and weighing 115g, the Nokia 6290 is no way near being slender and light weight, but there are a staggering number of features in the phone, so it can be forgiven for its additional bulk.

Closed, you'll see the external screen, which measures 1.36 inches and has a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels. Not a bad screen in itself, but the internal display screen goes one better. Measuring 2.2 inches and with a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels, you will be able to clearly see on-screen messages. Even better, the screen supports 16 million colour display, so images also display beautifully on the Nokia 6290.

You can make and receive calls with the phone closed, using the two quick-touch buttons located just beneath the external screen. The internal keypad of the Nokia 6290 has a four-way scroll tool and two soft keys. The keypad and menu system are easy to operate, with good sized buttons. Symbian technology allows you to send and receive email directly on your phone, as well participating in instant messaging communication. Emails can also include attachments which are formatted to PDF, Word, Excel or PowerPoint. Traditional SMS and MMS messaging is also catered for.

This 3G phone supports video calling and so the Nokia 6290 has two cameras. The VGA camera used for video conferencing resolves at 480 x 640 pixels for JPEG images, and 288 x 532 pixels in video mode. Video frame rate is also respectable at 15 frames per second. The Nokia 6290 also features a 2 megapixel camera that resolves at a very respectable 1600 x 1200 pixels. With 4 x digital zoom, flash and self-timer, this camera will satisfy those who want to snap images on the run.

Music lovers are also well catered for by the Nokia 6290. The built in music player provides stereo quality music in either MP3, MP4, AAC or eAAC+ formats. Included in the sales package are set of high quality 3D stereo speakers. To complete your music experience, there is also a "visual" FM radio - you will receive text information from the radio to identify the title, artist and album of the track currently playing.