Nokia 2600 Classic

Expected Q1 2008
22nd January 2008
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If you needed any evidence that Nokia was running out of product numbers, then the Nokia 2600 Classic is it. Following on from the two quite different Nokia "6500" handsets, the 6500 Slide and 6500 Classic, the Nokia 2600 Classic re-uses the name from a handset from 2004, the Nokia 2600.

This isn't just an ancient handset reissued - the Nokia 2600 Classic fills in a very small gap in the Nokia's value product range, coming with a 128x160 pixel TFT screen in VGA resolution camera, FM radio, MP3 ringtones and interchangeable covers. Unusually for such a low-end device, the Nokia 2600 also supports Bluetooth, EDGE data, and the 2600 Classic has a web browser and email client too.

It's a very lightweight phone at 73 grams, and the 2600 Classic comes with a very useful 6 hours of talktime and a whopping 24 days maximum standby time from the 2600's BL-5BT battery. The standard sales package also includes stereo headphones and an AC-3 charger.

What is remarkable is that Nokia intend to sell the 2600 Classic for just €65 (about £45 or $90) before tax and subsidy. That's Bluetooth and a camera and a radio and headphones and a proper TFT display for that price, and as the 2600 Classic also has very good battery life and looks very presentable, then it looks quite attractive to all sorts of potential customers.

Nokia say that the 2600 Classic should be available during Q1 2008 in Midnight Blue, Sunset Orange, Sandy Gold and Sky Blue colour combinations.