Photo thanks to CNET News

I don’t expect every handset released to be a magic show of sparkly light; but good lord… they don’t have to look this antiseptic.

The Nokia Barracuda headlines a group of six new headsets Nokia unveiled today aimed specifically at developed and emerging markets with one notable common denominator: accountants have more flash. Don’t give me that poor people can’t afford a decent phone… it doesn’t cost phone manufactures a single cent extra to produce a more attractive mold of plastic… it would just take an iota of effort.

Anyway, back to the models. The 0.4 inch Nokia Barracuda comes with Bluetooth, a FM radio, a camera on the back; and will cost about $115. The slightly less hideous Nokia 2760 flip phone, includes all those applications, and additionally has video recording, video playback, and larger than normal text message capacity. The Nokia 2505 is an entry-level phone and kind of albino looking. The Nokia 1208 actually has some interesting business about it; targeting first-time owners it included five separate phone books for shared use; includes a flashlight and costs $50… before subsidies.

The Nokia 2660, for $115, offers the FM and Bluetooth without phone, but with e-mail and internet access. For $75 you can get the Nokia 1650 with flashlight, radio, and the ability to pre-set phone call length.

Not the worst phones in the world, but I can't shake the feeling Nokia could do a lot better for the exact same price.