About the writer
Darius Chang is a notebook expert who occasionally dabbles in smaller mobile devices.

The compromise for having the comfort of a QWERTY thumbpad often results in a heavier and less portable mobile. Nokia's 9000 series phones had a great idea, incorporating a large display and QWERTY keyboard hidden inside an exterior candy-bar form factor. Unfortunately, the design fits so well in the office that the fashion-conscious may never consider owning one.

	The sliding keypad makes data entry a breeze.

The Storobe K612B from Kyocera, one the other hand, looks so funky that one might expect it to retail at your nearest Toys "R" Us store. With a slight curve and ebony exterior, this is one phone which may find favor with the younger generation.

Used like any candy-bar mobile, it flips open to reveal a larger internal display and QWERTY keyboard. Instead of internal antennas used in most phones, the Storobe loops the antenna instead to create a hoop for you to hang your favorite accessories. The joypad in the middle makes navigation a breeze.

Technical specifications:

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