I’m just starting to investigate the world of mobile phones once again, or is that PDAs? Perhaps, a camera, and a web browser too? These days it truly is a handset, as the unit has well surpassed the ‘talk only’ capability of years gone by.

I’ve been using the Nokia 6100 for more than three years now and it’s been a fantastic handset with very few issues. However, with all the new capabilities that have come on to the market since I picked this phone up, a handset now allows you to take photos, play games, get online and more.

Perhaps it’s the only area where I haven’t been an earlier adopter in the online space, but I prefer my phone to be a phone, a small one at that. Text is useful, MMS isn’t. I’ve got a proper camera to take photos, and probably the only capability my current phone doesn’t have is the ability to get online. That said, I can’t see myself surfing eBay on my phone, rather using to check my diary and perhaps to check and respond to emails whilst sitting in a taxi.

I love my 6100 as it’s a tiny 102mm x44 mm and only 17.2mm thick, weighing in at a miserly 78g. Perfect to fit into a suit breast pocket, which is where I carry my phone most of the time.

The question, do they still make phones of this dimension? I’m not too concerned if it’s another 10mm longer or wider, but the thickness is the key.

What’s important:

• Size does matter – clam-shells tend to be larger than the candybar style
• Tri-band and automatic switching

What isn’t:

• Camera
• Radio
• MP3 Player

Optional extras:

• Nokia software – I’m yet to be convinced by the GUI and general capability of the application software from Sony Ericsson, Motorola and especially the terrible UI from Samsung.
• Email and mobile messaging
• Security – if I’m going to be using it for email, it will need some strong device locking and support for third-party apps.

Any suggestions? If it were to be the all-in-one handset, then I’m thinking the BlackBerry 8707v wouldn’t be a bad option – but when will we see these available to the local market, if at all is the question? If not, then Nokia E60 is definitely a possibility – the features on this phone pack a punch and its small size (115mm x 49mm x 16.9mm) certainly adds a great deal of attraction.