T-Mobile and Nokia announce the E73 Mode for $69.99

I am a big fan of the Nokia E71 and E71 Eseries smartphones with their rock solid build, extremely pocketable form factor, and focused messaging suite. AT&T launched the E71x last year, but they put too much junk on it and ruined what was the E71 device. Thankfully, this time we see T-Mobile launching the Nokia E73 Mode device that looks like an E72 for the US market. The Nokia E73 Mode will be available starting 16 June for only $69.99 with qualifying plan and upgrade.

The E73 Mode includes support for T-Mobile's 3G network and is the thinnest full QWERTY smartphone on T-Mobile USA. Don't forget that you get Ovi Maps voice-guided navigation for FREE on the E73 that can be used with or without a data connection. I actually just used the N97 Mini in Europe for GPS navigation without a SIM card in place. Apps purchased through the Ovi Store can be billed to your credit card or T-Mobile bill and that library is continuously growing.

Specifications of the E73 Mode include the following:

• Symbian S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 2
• 5 megapixel camera
• 320x240 display
• 3.5mm headset jack
• WiFi and Bluetooth radios
• A-GPS receiver
• FM radio
• Nokia BP-4L 1500 mAh battery
• Dimensions: 4.5 x 2.3 x 0.4 inches and 4.5 ounces

My wife currently uses and loves her unlocked E71, but the E73 Mode looks to be a very nice upgrade with support for T-Mobile's 3G network and upgraded camera so I am sure this will be her next device.