Nokia X6

After all the hype, the Nokia 5800 was a tad underwhelming. Fortunately, the newest touchscreen candybar phone - the X6 - promises not only to paper over the cracks but replaster the walls for music lovers.

Nokia takes a swipe
Far more elegant than Nokia's previous musical outings, the X6 is also the first from the Finns to boast a capacitive iPhone-style touchscreen.

Rather than prodding your way through the menus, the new screen should see proud owners swiping effortlessly. It's nothing new - rivals like the Samsung HD Icon and HTC Dream are all tapping their watches - but it should make for a more seamless user experience.

If you're going to lay claim to the multimedia crown, you've got to have the brawn to back it up. The X6 has boosted its built-in storage capacity to a generous 16GB, making it a viable alternative to your iPod without having to faff around with memory cards. It's also got the all-important 3.5mm jack for hooking up your own headphones.

Doesn't Come With Music
Unlike the version of the X6 abroad, the one available locally doesn't offer a Comes with Music subscription, so you're stuck with listening to your own tunes or buying tracks and albums individually in the Nokia Music Store.   

Another service Nokia has been plugging is its Ovi suite of internet services aimed at keeping you connected with your mates. The X6 has these apps coming out of its ears, all of which can be accessed from the home screen, including push email support.

Nokia has also ramped up its camera capabilities to 5MP, a decent figure but not enough to leave the latest 12MP crew quaking in their boots.

Widescreen delights
What should help it stand out from the crowd, though, is the 16:9 widescreen format 3.2in screen. With plenty of storage onboard, it's bound to appeal to those who like working their way through Mad Men on their daily commute.

It been difficult to get excited about Nokia handsets lately, as they tend to look like what they essentially are - the dependable type. The X6 is certainly one of the more aesthetically pleasing, but it still lacks the wow-factor of sleeker rivals. For music fans, though, it stands to be a great all-rounder.

For
Capacitive touchscreen should improve user experience. Generous 16GB storage. Sleeker than previous models

Against
No Comes With Music subscription. Looks lack wow-factor