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In a move that seems to directly target the BlackBerry (News - Alert) market, Nokia announced three new affordably priced handsets with full QWERTY keyboards, plus access to a range of different e-mail accounts, IM communities and social networks.

Nokia's (News - Alert) three new handsets -- the Nokia C3, Nokia C6 and Nokia E5 -- are designed to put better messaging and social networking tools in the hands of more people around the world, at affordable prices, according to the Finnish handset manufacturer.

"Our messaging device range is very successful," said Anssi Vanjoki, Nokia's head of markets. "Services that provide easy access to the world's consumer and corporate email and instant messaging are really popular on our QWERTY smartphones such as the Nokia E71 and Nokia E63. People want the best messaging and social networking experience on an affordable device, whether it's sending a simple text or instant message, an email, or a direct message from their Twitter account. The Nokia C3 (News - Alert), Nokia C6 and Nokia E5 are made for just that."

Analysts said the new C3 model -- priced at just 90 euros ($122) excluding taxes and subsidies, could become a key device for Nokia this year, CNBC reported.

"Price point is a great one … they are stabbing RIM in the back with these products," said Swedbank analyst Jari Honko.

As for the rivalry, "in the smartphone space the target is RIM, it's clear," Ilari Nurmi, vice president for Nokia's business phones, reportedly told Reuters (News - Alert).