Symbian Mobile Phones

A phone using the Symbian operating system is able to integrate several software applications at once, such as word processors, internet browser and email. The first phone on the Symbian OS was the Nokia 9210. It was launched in 2000 and was a fairly ordinary-looking handset with the old style black-on-green screen and simple keypad...at first glance.

Opening it up revealed a full QWERTY keyboard and colour screen, almost like a mini laptop. It could be used to send emails, browse the internet and it featured a word processor, spreadsheet, presentation viewer and file/contents manager. All this from a fairly basic-looking handset.

Since the 9210 the Symbian OS has appeared on several new handsets, with more and more software being developed to make use of them. A regular feature on the Symbian OS is the ability to send and receive emails as well as access instant messaging, full internet access and even hook the handset up to your TV.

Nokia seems to have cornered the market in Britain when it comes to Symbian phones, with handsets in all shapes and sizes from clamshells to sliders to PDA's. There's even a handset which looks like a small camcorder; the Nokia N93i is capable of video capture of DVD quality, as well as mobile TV software to turn it into a portable television.

But Nokia are by no means the only manufacturer to jump on the Symbian bandwagon. Ericsson, LG, Samsung and Motorola all have handsets carrying this technology too. The Motorola Z8 also carries yet another new feature; a 'kick-slider'. This means that when the phone slides up, it forms a curve which fits the shape of your face letter than a standard handset would. Not exactly a feat of modern technology, but sometimes the simplest things are the best.

While Symbian phones are the top end of the technology spectrum at the moment, they're still reasonably priced. Some are even available on a pay as you go tariff, for those who don't want to be tied to a monthly package. Look on the internet and mobile phone retailers for the best deals.