The Nokia 6500 Slide was originally released alongside the Nokia 6500 Classic, these 6-Series Nokia phones are very special and different from any other range as they are actually named after previous Nokia phone models that were released over seven years ago. Nokia is the only manufacturer to dabble in this form of product marketing within the entire mobile phones industry but it does seem to be paying off as the new models are already starting to enjoy a cult status. The Nokia 6500 Classic is the most closely related model to the original Nokia 6500, offering slim design in a candy bar format were the attributes of the original release, but the new Classic models also offer some of the latest mobile technology and some interesting new manufacturing materials in their make up.

The Nokia 6500 Slide was released at the same time as the Classic models but the design is very different. As you would expect from the name, this model is a sliding device but it also offers an upgraded camera and some 3G services that the Classic version does not. For example, the 6500 Slide facilitates face to face video calling where the Classic, although a 3G enabled phone, only supports download and browsing 3G services.

This has caused a bit of a problem for the dedicated 3G network, 3 Mobile. They recently changed their tariffs and included a video call package with every deal. With the Nokia 6500 Classic not being able to support video calling, the price of the handset shot up and the network have to a certain degree shot themselves in the foot by taking on the phone.

Getting back to the new Nokia 6500 Slide Black Edition, this is the newest addition to the range and offers exactly the same specifications, technology and features as the original Silver Slide edition but now comes encased in a dark and seductive, black steel exterior. The new color scheme gives the handset a real feeling of expense and quality. This is not a plastic phone like so many other models, the casing is manufactured from stainless steel and gives a satisfying weight to the phone, it also provides extra protection against everyday knocks and scuffs whilst the extensive features take care of business.

The Nokia 6500 Slide is based on the design of the Nokia 6280 and 6288 handsets and unlike the Nokia 6500 Classic, this version of the 6500 is a slider.

The Nokia 6500 Slide offers slightly better power management than that of the Nokia 6500 Classic, with 6 hours of talktime and 310 hours on standby and includes all of the basic features available in the 6500 Classic such as the built-in MP3 Player, web browser, email, instant messaging, EDGE technology, UMTS support and so forth.

As with the Classic version, the Nokia 6500 Slide is a 3G enabled handset but the camera has been boasted up to 3.2 mega pixels with the introduction of Carl Zeiss Optics and the inclusion of a secondary camera for video calling is a bonus plus it has also got FM Radio with RDS.

Other enhancements available with the Slide version of the Nokia 6500 include a TV-out jack so Video clips and images can be played/viewed on your Television screen as well as enabling TV Video Calls & Conference Calls and then separately it also has A2DP Stereo support with Bluetooth.

The new Nokia 6500 Slide Black edition has been launched as an Orange network exclusive, this means that for a limited time consumers will only be able ot purchase the handset on the Orange network, after which the device will be available on other UK networks.