Nokia's E Series smartphones have been doing the business for professional users for years now, combining top-notch hardware with powerful messaging tools to keep the mobile professional in touch at all times. Here we look at our favourite Nokia phones for business.

Business phones don't have to be unattractive or dull, but they do need to offer a few all-business essentials such as push email support, a comfortable keyboard and – ideally – dedicated shortcuts for composing emails or messages on the fly.

Fortunately, Nokia's business phones offer all of that and more, and manage to look good doing it too. Let's take a look at our favourite Nokia business phones – see if you agree, then give us your thoughts in the Comments at the bottom.

High-end Nokia for business: Nokia E7

As the most powerful Nokia ever made the Nokia E7's business credentials are second to none. From a hardware point of view you get bulletproof construction, an expansive 4in screen with Nokia ClearBlack Display tech, and a full-size QWERTY keyboard that's comfortable to use.

It also comes with all the connectivity and on-board utilities any business user could want, and the three Homescreens offered by Symbian^3 gives you plenty of flexibility to group commonly used features and contacts in whatever way suits you best.

Check out our Nokia E7 Hardware Review

Mid-range Nokia for business: Nokia E72

The Nokia E72 is a well appointed QWERTY candybar in the finest E Series tradition, and remains as attractive a proposition today as when it launched over a year ago. It's bold and attractive, yet still maintains the discreet professional air of a business phone, and the keyboard is a pleasure to use.

And whether you're firing off emails or typing out a quick text, the Nokia E72 had been built around its core messaging tools, making it a great choice for both the business and professional user.

Check out our full Nokia E72 Review

Entry-level Nokia for business: Nokia E55

Opinions remain divided over the 'half-QWERTY' keyboard style Nokia has opted for on the Nokia E55, but it's a pleasure to use in practice, and keeps the Nokia E55 an incredibly thin for a business phone.

Battery life is superb too, and despite its downmarket price tag the Nokia E55 comes packing a kaleidoscope of powerful features and tools for the business user.

Check out our full Nokia E55 Review

Worth considering: Nokia N8?

If your budget doesn't quite stretch to the Nokia E7 or you're looking for something with the same powerhouse features but a slightly smaller form factor, the Nokia N8 is a great choice. You still get a wide range of business-minded tools, and although there's no physical QWERTY keyboard you do get a greater all-round spread of features for when you're using the phone away from the office.

Check out our Nokia N8 Review Roundup

What is your Nokia of choice when it comes to business? Do you agree with our selection, or do you have other suggestions of your own? Let us know in the Comments below.