LONDON-Nokia Corp. released a trio of advanced, business-focused devices that pit the company squarely against Motorola Inc., Palm Inc. and BlackBerry-maker Research In Motion Ltd. Specifically, Nokia’s new E61 device features the same design as Palm’s Treo, Motorola’s Q and RIM’s BlackBerry, but adds W-CDMA technology to the mix.
“When we carefully considered the requirements of our customers when developing these devices, two clear new trends emerged: the need for IT departments’ to have a secure and manageable platform, and the need for devices to support a variety of employee preferences and different working styles,” said Niklas Savander, senior vice president of Nokia’s business device unit. “These devices embody our extensive knowledge of user-focused functional design, security and cutting-edge wireless technologies.”
Nokia’s new phones are designed for European, Middle Eastern and African markets, and will sell for between $420 and $540. They run the company’s Series 60 platform, which is based on the Symbian operating system, and are set to be released in the first quarter of next year.
Nokia said its new E61 is designed with mobile e-mail in mind. The phone ships with support for BlackBerry Connect, GoodLink, Nokia Business Center, Seven Mobile Mail, Seven Always-On Mail and Visto Mobile e-mail products, and allows users to send and receive e-mail while on a call. The device supports W-CDMA networks.
Nokia’s new W-CDMA E60 device features a candybar-style design and support for Voice over IP calls working through Wi-Fi networks. Nokia said the device also can connect directly to a company’s Avaya or Cisco IP PBX system.
Finally, Nokia’s E70 supports W-CDMA networks and features a flip-open keyboard.
In other device news, Palm released two new personal digital assistants, including its new TX handheld. The device supports Wi-Fi connections but not wide area network connections-which is typical of Palm’s Tungsten line of PDAs. The device is priced at $300.
Interestingly, Palm said the device can run MobiTV Inc.’s streaming TV application, which would work over the TX’s Wi-Fi connection. The application will be sold separately. MobiTV’s main business is in sales to mobile phone subscribers. The company recently developed a version of its offering for Palm’s Treo smart phone.
