Nokia Dives Into the Netbook Pool
Nokia Booklet 3G
Not a notebook, not a netbook, not a tablet, not a “lifestyle” PC — but it is a Nokia, which, out of the box, just might be enough to give legs to the Booklet 3G.
It’s the first computer in almost two decades from the world’s top mobile phone company. And why not? Dell says it intends to enter the smartphone market, Acer and Hewlett-Packard are nosing around the mobility category. There is also speculation that Apple may ready a tablet-type touch-screen device to show in September or early next year. Why shouldn’t Nokia blur the lines too?
The Booklet, which many will mistakenly call a netbook, will probably sit at the high end of that price spectrum, estimated to cost $700 to $1,000.
Powered by a Windows operating system (Nokia isn’t yet saying if it’s 7), the device has a 10-inch color screen and will focus on on-the-go networking: It has both 3G and GPS functionality, as well as Bluetooth and conventional Wi-Fi when there is a network available. There is an HDMI output as well — unusual in this type of computer — and Nokia’s own “Ovi Maps” service. Nokia says the Booklet will run for 12 hours on a battery charge (a claim we’re skeptical about).
It’s all wrapped up in a MacBook-esque aluminum shell and weighs less than three pounds. No solid-state drive option apparently — that would increase the price big-time; Nokia probably will offer details on price and availability early next month at Nokia World ’09.
Kai Oistamo of Nokia called the Booklet 3G “a natural evolution for us,” but given that the tech conglomerate was making PCs until 1991, it sounds like more of a homecoming.
source By Stephen Williams "newyork times"
