Nokia has released information about two new handsets, both labelled as the 6500, but with the Classic and Slide suffixes. The design idea behind these two handsets is ergonomics, big buttons and ease of use and long lasting materials. Both handsets feature third generation 3G technology from Nokia and both are considered mid-range handsets by Nokia.

The 6500 Classic is a rather stylish, if somewhat plain, 9.5mm slim, aluminium, candy bar shaped phone. It has a 2Mega pixel camera with LED flash. It also features a standard mini USB connector, which makes it much easier to connect it up to a computer and charge it, especially when you travel. It has 1GB of built in memory and you can use the 6500 Classic as a USB storage device with your computer. It's expected to retail for around €320 ex sales tax in Europe.

The 6500 Slide is as the name suggests a slider and it is cast in brushed stainless steel with a special coating that is meant to prevent scratches and smudges. It features a 3.2Mega pixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics with auto focus and an LED flash. It's also got TV out, which enables it to display pictures on a TV, but it can also be used for group video calls over 3G. The 6500 Slide is expected to retail for around €370 ex sales tax in Europe.

Expect to see both handsets in Q3

"Nokia is a recognized trailblazer of the 3G revolution and a pioneer in the use of new and innovative materials for mobile phones. With the Nokia 6500 classic and Nokia 6500 slide, Nokia is skillfully combining these areas of expertise to deliver a compelling blend of design and technology at a mid-range price point."

Nokia has set up a site dedicated to the 6500 series here