2680 Slide

Another entry-level handset from Nokia, the 2680 Slide offers basic features in a compact form factor. If you're looking for a phone simply for calls and messages then the 2680 might be right up your alley.

It features a glossy front but there is little else remarkable about the design of the 2680 Slide. This is a good thing though: Nokia has kept it simple, producing a phone that is comfortable to hold and small enough to slip into your pocket. The colour scheme is a little weird however — the front is half black and half silver, while the phone features silver edging and a dark blue rear case.

Slid open, the 2680 reveals a slightly raised, glossy keypad. The keys themselves are a little smaller than we'd have liked, though typing long-winded SMS messages is comfortable for the most part. The controls are what we've come to expect from Nokia — a large five way navigational pad, two selection keys and answer and end call buttons. Unfortunately, Nokia hasn't seen fit to include external volume controls, which is a little disappointing.

The 2680's display isn't anything to write home about, but considering this is an entry-level handset it does the job well enough. Our main complaint lies with poor viewing angles and the fact that direct sunlight makes the screen difficult to view. The menu, although well laid out and designed, can be a little slow when trying to quickly scroll through items.

Despite being an entry-level handset, the 2680 still manages to include Bluetooth, a VGA camera, music and video player, a voice recorder and an FM radio. There are also a number of PIM functions including alarm, calendar, to-do list, notes, calculator, timer and a stopwatch. There is no external memory card slot, though this handset hasn't been designed for multimedia.

Telstra offers the 2680 Slide on a prepaid plan for $129.