SAINT PHILEMON'S CORNER

     Nokia has launched four new types of mobile phones that include Nokia 5000, Nokia2680 slide, Nokia7070 Prism and Nokia 1680 classic. According to the company's vice president Entry Category Management Alex Lambeek, Nokia 5000 comprises a 1.3 mega pixel camera, high resolution display, a frequency model radio with recording functionality and MP3 ring tones.

     "The Nokia 5000 supports electronic mail including nokia Xpress audio messaging, Bluetooth and a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) connectivity," he said recently at a two-day workshop that included the launching of the products at the Sandton Convention centre in Johannesburg. The product is expected to be shipped in the second quarter of 2008 at an estimated cost of 90 Euro before subsidies and taxes.

     He said the Nokia 2680 slide is a slim camera phone that offers balanced use and entertainment functionality that include an FM radio, MP3 ring tones and core mobile features such as an expanded phone book. It is expected that the 2680 slide would be shipped in the third quarter of 2008 with an estimated retail price of 75 Euro before subsidies and taxes.

     The Nokia 7070 Prism features a distinctive folding design with geometric patterns and external light effects. It offers personalized content including themes and wallpapers and MP3 ring tones and it is expected to be shipped in the second quarter of 2008 at a cost of 50 Euros before taxes and subsidies.

 The Nokia 1680 classic offers essential mobile phone functionality with added benefits of a digital camera while the video recording features one-touch access for photos and videos.

     "For families and small and medium scale businesses, the product offers phone sharing functionality and easy access to electronic mail. It is expected to be shipped in the second quarter of 2008 with an estimated cost of 50 Euros.

  Lambeek said people in emerging markets like Africa are increasingly demanding more from the mobile phone in terms of functionality and design like people in other parts of thee world that earn less income. He said Nokia mobile phone subscribers in Africa had reached 35 million by the end last year while there were 4bn subscribers worldwide. "In Africa use of mobile phones has improved people's lives and incomes through communication and the away from home communications.

 The conference, held under the theme, ?Growing Together? also featured demonstrations, press interviews and workshops where delegates were exposed to the new mobile phones.