Nokia's disappointing mobile phone sales figures highlighted its poor performance in the crucial mid-market sector. The company hopes to rectify that with the 7200, its first clamshell handset, which debuts later this month. However, the 7200 is not a traditional folding phone. It is thinner and lighter than many rivals and also sports soft textile covers, designed to appeal to the fashion-conscious.

The handset is a delight to use, courtesy of Nokia's intuitive menu system and prominent, comfortable keys. Nokia hasn't shirked on features, either, so the 7200 includes a VGA camera, video camera, integrated hands-free and FM radio. Also on board are some neat games and ringtones.

The 7200 is, however, up against serious competition. In terms of design, it can't rival the "classic with a twist" styling of Motorola's upcoming V80 handset. Nor can it compete with the one megapixel camera and superb quality screen offered by the Sharp/Vodafone GX30. Yet, if you have been weaned on Nokia handsets, like the handset's quirky design and fancy a simple-to-use camera phone, the 7200 is a no-brainer.

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