The Nokia 2610 Mobile Phone is a barebones candy bar device that offers reliable phone services with minimal distractions. Marketed as an inexpensive phone for people who want just that, the 2610 keeps functionality simple. On the top of the phone is a 65K-color LCD, and beneath it is the multidirectional toggle and standard dial pad that Nokia grew famous for. Given the advances in LCD technology, the screen might look unimpressive, but it is adequate. The toggle button can be set to operate up to four user-defined functions with a single touch, and the dial pad has raised buttons so it is easy to dial by feel.

Despite the dated design, the phone is surprisingly light, and it does include some extras. There is one very noticeable omission: The 2610 is one of the few new releases that does not include a camera. Nope. Not even a VGA model. By doing so, and by not having a music player, the phone's minimal 2MB of internal memory is not much of a concern.

Many people will find the phonebook lacking, as it can hold only 300 contacts. But within each contact, you can store five phone numbers, a web link, an e-mail address, a birth date, a company name, a nickname, a job title, and notes. All of these can be aligned with a photo for visual identification of incoming calls, or you can assign a distinctive ring tone. One unique feature is that you can record your voice with the memo recorder and then use the file as a ring tone. Voice memos can also be recorded and sent as messages.

Despite the focus on minimalism, the 2610 includes a 2.0 WAP web browser as well as text messaging, and the more addictive of games (Tetris, Soduku, PacMan) are also included if you go with AT&T. The built-in speakerphone offers acceptable performance and, though not stellar, call quality for the 2610 was quite good given the price. Volume levels and clarity were good on both sides of the conversation, and coverage was rarely patchy. The battery provided about three hours of talk time and up to 12 days of standby. Other features include: notepad, vibrating ringer, to-do list, alarm clock, and expense manager.

In recent years, phones have become multimedia powerhouses where telephone calls have become as relevant to the device as calculators are now to home computers. But if you're looking for a reliable phone without the distraction of all the bells and whistles, the Nokia 2610 is a reliable choice.

Pros: Inexpensive, simple design and functionality
Cons: Very few features

Warranty
1 year