10Meters News Service

March 18, 2002 – It may not look like a trendsetter, but for the U.S. market, this handset from Nokia – the 8390 – lays the groundwork for future cool.

The reason: It is designed to ride AT&T's new high-speed data network (GSM/GPRS), now available in the U.S. (at least for subscribers on the East and West coasts).

What's hot about that: the network allows high-speed, "always-on" access to the Internet and corporate intranets – which in turn allows subcribers to send or receive data in real time. AT&T's network is a precursor to the promised third-generation (3G) future of mobile communications – which will allow true multimedia capabilities and someday, more phones with a host of truly cool features to choose from.

For now, though, the 8390, in concert with AT&T's network, should serve as an appetizer for the U.S. audience hungry for the mobile bells and whistles Europe has enjoyed for the past two years.

Nokia 8390

Among the high points:

• The combo phone-network supports access to email or access to Internet and intranet information via either the phone's built-in WAP browser or its integrated infrared port.

• The phone comes with a smattering of optional front and back color covers. (Nokia calls it the "first GPRS fashion category phone for the Americas market.")

• Sometime this summer, Nokia will update its U.S. Web site to allow users to download ring tones for the 8390, which also comes with a ring tone composer. Visit www.nokiausa.com for more information.