Nokia today reaffirmed its leadership in driving the benefits of third generation technology to the mid-range market with the announcement of two new handsets, the Nokia 6500 classic and Nokia 6500 slide. Designed to be precisely balanced in the hand, with large keys and ergonomically correct dimensions and surfaces, both phones have been created with maximum usability in mind. Along with third generation WCDMA technology and sleek, contemporary designs, these new devices feature carefully engineered touches that help to ensure that the beauty endures.

Instantly recognizable by its seamless case crafted from 360 degrees of anodized aluminum, the Nokia 6500 classic is a 9.5mm thin statement of unsurpassed attention to detail. As an expression of individuality, each Nokia 6500 classic is individually polished, ensuring that no two phones are exactly alike, while diamond polishing used on the beveled display aperture and cold stamped logo demonstrate the highest levels of craftsmanship.

However, the attention to detail found in the Nokia 6500 classic is much more than skin deep. Featuring dual band 3G technology for fast and easy downloads and browsing and quad-band GSM for worldwide roaming, the Nokia 6500 classic delivers state-of-the-art connectivity options for the most demanding of customers. A full 1 GB of internal memory means that the Nokia 6500 classic has capacity for far more pictures, videos, contacts, songs, messages and other content than the vast majority of other mid-tier mobile phones.

Nokia's dedication to usability is also evident in the Nokia 6500 classic. The Nokia Series 40 interface, familiar to millions of users around the globe, provides easy access to the powerful feature set, including a 2 megapixel camera with dual LED flash and an integrated music player. Furthermore, a unified micro-USB connector simplifies charging, audio and data connectivity by consolidating them into a single compact port. This allows for the Nokia 6500 classic to be easily used as a high-capacity flash drive or to be charged directly from a laptop computer - all with one cable.

The Nokia 6500 classic is expected to be available during the 3rd quarter of 2007 at an estimated retail price of 320 before taxes and subsidies.