Nokia today unveiled the 5800 Xpressmusic, its first touch screen phone, priced well below Apple's iPhone model. 
The Finnish cell phone maker hopes to tap consumers for whom the iPhone has been too expensive, selling its 5800 XpressMusic at $395 (279 euros). Consumers in many large markets will get the phone for free from operators when signing up for a contract.
With touch screen technology, the 5800 XpressMusic introduces the Media Bar, a drop down menu for access to music and entertainment such as tracks, videos and photos.
The Contacts Bar highlights four favorite contacts on the home screen. With a single touch, users can track a digital history of recent text messages, emails, phone logs, photos and blog updates.
The 3.2-inch widescreen display has a 16 by 9 aspect ratio and 30 frames-per-second playback and recording. It features a 3.2-megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss lens. Images and videos can be shared via Share on Ovi, Flickr or Facebook.
It has a virtual alphanumeric keypad, a virtual computer-style QWERTY keyboard, a pen stylus and a plectrum.
The music player includes a graphic equalizer, 8GB memory for up to 6000 tracks, a 3.5mm jack and support for digital music formats. Built-in surround sound stereo speakers offer powerful sound.
"As Nokia's first mass-market device with a touch screen, the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic turns a user interface into a human interface by truly putting people first," said Jo Harlow, Vice President of Nokia. "We have used touch technology where it really adds value such as the Contacts Bar, Media Bar and clever shortcuts from the homescreen to menu items such as calendar, profiles and clock."
The Nokia 5800 XpressMusic will be available worldwide beginning in the fourth quarter of 2008.
