'Mini-brick' and 'candy bar hybrid' aim to take mobile email by storm

Two new mobile devices have hit the market - both making a play for the mobile email space.

The Nokia 9300, based on the Symbian OS, comes with a complete Qwerty keyboard, joystick and colour screen. The device is modelled on a laptop design - it opens like a book - and offers support for GSM, GPRS and EDGE networks.

The new version of the Nokia Communicator is both thinner and lighter than its predecessor. "The Communicator's history in the US market is not great because of its size. This will make a difference," a Nokia representative said.

The phone line may soon shed its nickname - 'the brick' - which it was given because of its bulk. The new model, the 9300, is not much bigger or heavier than smart phones sold by Nokia or its rivals.

Nokia expects the 9300 to be available from the first quarter of next year.

While Nokia's latest addition will support RIM's Blackberry Connect email service, T-Mobile USA is also trying to tempt email-addicted users with a smart phone that fits in the pocket - the BlackBerry 7100t. The new handset makes a departure from the traditional BlackBerry - it makes a nod toward looking like a conventional mobile, with a more rectangular 'candy bar' shape.

It also comes with its own built-in IM functionality. It won't, however, come to these shores just yet - it will make its US-only debut this October.

Reuters contributed to this report