NEC N411i

Overall, the NEC N411i mobile phone is a very good VFM phone. It has lots of features once you have found them. The camera works fine, and the video is OK if you don't move too quickly!

This is my first clam shell phone and I like it.

The NEC 411i mobile phone is a decent clam-shell design with iMode and iMail. iMode is internet at the touch of a button, and iMail is email on your mobile.

The NEC411i is only available on 02 UK in the UK, and it is one of their line-up of iMode handsets. At £59.99 on pay as you go, the good camera and clear screen mean it's excellent value.

The only things that could improve it would be data compatible Bluetooth and expandable memory. But at £59.99, the lack of those features is bearable. If you want a higher spec, you would be best to go for a Samsung Z320i which would give you iMode also, but at £230.00, there is a big difference in the price.

The NEC N411i mobile phone is another acceptable mid-range handset from NEC.

The screen is good. The battery life is acceptable, and audio quality and reception levels are good.

I've had a few NEC phones before, so I don't have problems with the menu structure - it's certainly different from Nokia, but no less logical.

The iMode service is very good, and it works well on this handset.

The features are mid-range. It has bluetooth, but no GPS or WiFi. The screen is nice, but not the highest resolution out there. The same is true of the camera, although the camera light is a bit weedy.

The keypad is a little odd to use at first as some keys are recessed, but you soon get used to it.

Physically, I think it could be a bit smaller for the features provided, but by no stretch of the imagination is it a brick.

Overall, this is a competent iMode offering. Considering you can get it on any contract for free, or on prepay for less than £50, I'd say it's very good value for money.