Rafe tells us about his hands on with the Nokia 6290

While the 6290 does not have all the features of a high end Nseries device and is not going to generate much excitement in power user circles, it does offer a lot in a small package. The 6290 offers a lot to the smartphone aficionado; it runs the latest version on the S60 software platform, has solid technical specifications and an attractive design. It does not have quite the stylish feel of other clamshells and I personally prefer the design of the Nokia (NYSE: NOK) N75, but the rounded pebble-style clamshell design is an old favourite for many. Thanks to its form factor, its general feel of simplicity and its mid-tier pricing (around €300 unlocked and SIM-free) the Nokia 6290 should also attract consumers who have thus far shunned high end smartphone devices as too big, too complex and too expensive.

Source: All About Symbian

He hits the nail on the head. Nokia has yet to master the clam shell. I’ve yet to see one of their designs that I like.

The Motorola (NYSE: MOT) RAZR is the design to beat, but frankly I want something a little bit more from my clamshell. I want a screen on the outside that can give me a lot of relevant information, not just the time, battery life, and signal strength.

Ideally I should be able to have access to my PIM via a screen on the outside of my mobile. I’m sure Nokia realizes they are lacking in the clamshell department. Here’s hoping their design team pulls something off for 2007.