We haven't always been fans of Nokia clamshells in recent times, with dodgy models like the 6170 and 6260. This time round, we're much more appreciative of the Finnish company's latest attempt at capturing a market saturated with Samsung clamshells. It goes to show that sometimes, simplicity can be the recipe for success.

Design
Nokia's phone designs have recently been somewhat of a mixed bag, with stunners like the desirable 8800 and duds like the lipstick-shaped 7280. At least here, the 6101 definitely scores in the style category with a classy color scheme and sleek finish. Style-wise, this Nokia clamshell gives perennial Korean offerings like the Samsungs and LGs a run for their money.

Commendably, build quality is excellent. While slightly thick and heavy, especially when compared with other clamshells like Motorola's V3 and Panasonic's A400, the handset feels well-sized and good to hold.

Avoiding the pitfalls that befell the single-screened Philips 760 and Nokia 6260 clamshells, the external display is clear and informative. Internally, the 128 x 160-pixel, 65K-color LCD screen is sizeable and comfortably bright.

On the negative side, the increasingly-extinct external antenna makes an unwelcome and rather obtrusive appearance with the 6101. Although the numerical keypad is spaciously arranged and easy to use, individual keys feel a little stiff.

Features
Navigation is expectedly simple for a Nokia but the processing speed of the 6101 is unusually slow at times. For instance, there's a noticeable 1- to 2-second lag between flipping the phone open and answering an incoming call and the call actually being picked up. Same thing goes for opening incoming messages.

SMSing is intuitively simple, and there's a helpful listing of recent numbers you messaged to. Java applications, basic organizational features and GPRS/EDGE support are the order of the day.

It's worth mentioning that we're able to increase font size with the 6101, a minor yet important feature for the slightly older folks who would rather do without all the squinting at the screen while SMSing. Push-to-talk technology is again supported but the service is currently unavailable.

Comparable with other midrange handset models, the VGA camera is good for only the occasional candid shot. After entering camera mode, closing the clamshell cover allows you to take self-portraits using the external display. Shutter lag is commendably minimal, though you won't find any onboard photolight. The onboard camera also supports video recording. Compatible video playback formats on the phone includes H.263 video and MPEG-4.

Despite a lack of MP3 playback on this phone, as with other low- to midrange models, you get to enjoy FM radio on the commute. MP3 ringtones are also supported.

The 6101 comes with 4.4MB of internal memory and no expansion options which is logical given its basic feature set. Connectivity-wise, file transfer is done via the onboard infrared port or USB cable.

Performance
We had no issues with voice quality or call reception with the triband 6101. With an average battery life of three days on normal usage, two full charges of the 760mAh battery should be enough to sustain a full week.

The highest SAR value for this handset is 0.82W/kg, which meets international guidelines for exposure to radio waves.

Conclusion
The 6101 is a well-balanced, sensible option for anyone looking for a clamshell without all the bells and whistles that aren't always needed or used.