Nokia's 1209 and 2600 classic, simple and super cheap

Doesn't seem like that long ago that Nokia totally juiced its low-end offerings, but the world of inexpensive ear candy moves just as quickly as the rest of the market -- if not quicker -- and so the fleet is getting rejuvenated just a tad. The 1209 (pictured left) is naturally the lower end of the pair, a phone that Nokia has specifically designed for the concept of "phone sharing" that is largely unique to emerging markets; special features include extra cost tracking apps and separate phonebooks for up to five users. The more interesting of the two is the 2600 classic, featuring interchangeable Xpress-on (wow, it's been a while since we've heard that word) covers, support for MP3 ringtones, a VGA cam, and integrated FM radio. Look for the 1209 to start shipping next quarter for a mere €35 (about $51) while the 2600 classic has already kicked off deliveries for €65 (about $95).

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 24th 2008 3:58AM]

hehe. know why they had to tag that word "classic" onto the 2600? ironically, because there's already a 2600. I used to own one. Nokia made it exclusively for Tracfone.
Anyway, I sure hope this new 2600 has a better screen than my old 2600... because not only was its response time like molasses, it was murder trying to see ANYTHING on that screen in any sort of sunlight. It was like a throwback to the EARLY days of LCDs. 4096 colors, anyone?
But I could say one thing good about that phone - its OS was at least as responsive as anyone might expect. The new Motorola W370 KRZR-look-alike that I have now is SO underpowered in the CPU department. I would think a bigger, better screen would necessitate a processor that can keep up as well.