Nokia unveils new E72 business phone

Updated version of E71 is one of three new handsets announced

The E72 adds an optical navigation key

Nokia has unveiled three new phones at its Nokia Connection event in Singapore, including an updated version of the E71 business messaging handset, a new music phone, and a clamshell device designed for access to Nokia's Ovi online store.

The new E72 is based on last year's successful E71 Qwerty handset, and looks almost identical. But Nokia has added a number of new features, including an optical navigation key to let users swipe more quickly through menus and emails.

The E72 also provides a more desktop-like email experience as seen with Nokia's recent E75 model, but still has onboard clients for Microsoft Exchange and Lotus Notes and a lifetime licence for the Nokia Messaging mobile email and IM service.

Other enhancements include an updated version of the Quickoffice mobile application suite, which now supports Office 2007 file formats, a 5-megapixel camera and a torch that can be activated with a single press of the spacebar key. It also supports 802.11b and g Wi-Fi as well as HSDPA cellular networks and Bluetooth wireless.

The built-in GPS capabilities of the device are now backed by a lifetime of walking navigation access, and 10 days of turn-by-turn navigation access, if activated within the first three months after purchase.

The E72 is expected sometime later in the third quarter of 2009, at a suggested SIM-free price of €350 (£297).

Also due in the third quarter is the Nokia 5530 XpressMusic, a touch-based phone boasting a scrolling 'people carousel' with direct access to 20 contacts and their latest conversations and media updates.

As its name suggests, the 5530 XpressMusic is a music phone that ships with a 4GB memory card for storing content, and links with the Nokia Music Store.

The handset is GPRS/Edge only with no 3G network support, but it does have integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, according to Nokia. It is expected to cost €199 (£169).

Rounding out the trio of new phones is the Nokia 3710 fold, a compact clamshell design weighing 94g and designed to be easy to use, Nokia said.

The 3710 also lacks 3G support, but does have integrated GPS with Nokia's Maps application for navigation. It is due in the fourth quarter of 2009 and is expected to cost €140 (£119).