The E65 also has its own fairly normal-sounding synthetic voice that can be configured to read messages aloud (in English by default on the US version, but other languages can be downloaded from Nokia's Web site). A related feature called Voice Aid will let you hear certain information spoken to you (such as contact entries, recent calls and phone numbers as you dial them) so you don't need to look at the display.

Applications
Given its focus, the E65, which uses Nokia's S60 3rd Edition interface on the Symbian OS, includes a host of business-oriented applications and utilities.

The E65 supports POP and IMAP e-mail (including push e-mail) and in addition to the standard PIM applications like a calendar and contact manager you can use the included QuickOffice suite to view text or MS Office .doc, .xls, and .ppt files. Alas, you need to upgrade to the Premier version for $50 if you want to edit those documents, but given the E65's lack of keyboard it's probably not worth the extra expense.

Those that frequently need to check in with colleagues while on the road may appreciate Nokia's Team Suite utility, which lets you set up various teams and track communications with members. You can also associate conference bridge numbers, IDs, and PINs with Team Suite to automate the setup of conference calls.

Other useful applications include Adobe Acrobat, a ZIP file manager, and a utility that does conversions for currencies and units of measure. The E65 comes with navigation software installed, though its use requires a separate GPS receiver linked via Bluetooth.

On the back of the E65 is the lens for the integrated 2 megapixel camera. It takes decent shots, but lacks such niceties as a self-portrait mirror or even a flash. The E65 can also capture video 15 fps at a 352 x 288 pixel resolution.

Although not the primary focus of the E65, the phone does offer media applications that support playback and streaming of audio and video (including Real Media and MP3 formats). The E65 doesn't include the A2DP Bluetooth profile for a stereo headset, which admittedly isn't likely to be a major concern for business users.

In addition to the aforementioned memory card, the E65 also comes with a wired mono earpiece/mic that plugs into the same proprietary Nokia connector used to sync the phone. (The included AC adapter plugs into its own jack.)

The E65 doesn't come with a belt-clip or conventional case. And though the smartphone does include a very nice felt drawstring satchel, it does seem a bit incongruous for a phone of this kind.

If you can get past the lack of a keyboard and some ergonomic issues with the keys it does have, the Nokia E65 manages to be a decent choice for those that need a solid business-centric phone without a lot of gingerbread.