Nokia takes on the Blackberry

 

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By Steve Malone

Posted on 13 Oct 2005 at 11:22

Mobile phone giant Nokia has released a range of new devices to be called the Eseries that combine both voice and mobile email functions for businesses in a single unit. In other words, Nokia is taking aim at the Blackberry.

There are three models in the range - the E60, E61 and E70. Each device runs the latest 9.1 version of the ubiquitous Symbian OS and offers push-to-talk and 3G capability.

The E60 is a basic mobile email terminal, the device resembles a mobile phone but allows for editing of email and calendar entries.

Moving up the scale and bearing more than a passing resemblance to the Blackberry, the Nokia E61 is aimed squarely at RIM's corporate market. It features a large colour screen and is supplied with a keyboard to ease email messaging.

Alongside the email and voice functions the device can handle a variety of attachments such as documents, spreadsheets, presentations and has a built in PDF viewer and ZIP manager. It also has an editing function for documents, spreadsheets and presentations. The Nokia E61 can send and receive emails, even when on a phone call. The Nokia E61 operates in GSM850/900/1800/1900 and WCDMA2100 networks.

Less data-centric than the E61, the top of the range E70 combines a whole gamut of features in a single slim line unit for the executive. Looking unlike a normal mobile underneath the lid is a keyboard for thumb typing. As with the E61, there are a full set of functions for viewing and editing the most common office document formats.

All three models offer IP based telephony. Intent on covering all bases, Nokia says the E series will support most of the popular mobile email solutions like BlackBerry Connect, GoodLink from Good Technology, Nokia Business Center, Seven Mobile Mail, Seven Always-On Mail and Visto Mobile

Nokia says that all three devices will be available in the first quarter of 2006 worldwide. Prices will range from between €350 and €450, but subsidy deals will doubtless be offered.