Nokia E63 switches between work and personal

The E63 can switch from corporate to personal mode with a single key press

Nokia has released its Nokia E63 handset, which features similar functionality to the rest of the firm's business-oriented Eseries line but adds capabilities aimed at the consumer.

"Our research shows that people want a device that deals with both their personal and professional lives, but helps them to separate the two," said Nokia senior vice president Soren Petersen.

Nokia explained that the E63 fits the typical Eseries mould, offering Wi-Fi connectivity, easy access to corporate mail, calendar and business contacts, as well as the Qwerty keyboard that is offered with the Nokia E71. But the E63 will also offer a personal mode with a different homescreen picture, personal email and shortcuts to blogs and web sites.

"The Nokia E63 is a new proposition for the Eseries - a messaging device where people will be just as involved in their social network as they are in their business network," said Petersen.

Users can switch from a view of corporate mail, appointments and intranet data to the personal mode with a single key press, according to the firm.

The E63 is expected to begin shipping in the coming weeks at an estimated price of £164 excluding tax. It is available in dark red or marine blue.

The handset will also include Files on Ovi, a service allowing users to access their PC remotely even when their computer is offline. Nokia said that 1GB of online file storage will be given to all users for free.

Earlier this week, VMware announced plans to put virtualisation technology on mobile phones so that users can combine multiple profiles, such as one for business and one for personal use, into one handset.