Nokia to introduce mini-laptop

The Finnish mobile phone giant Nokia is to introduce a mini-laptop to the growing on-the-go connectivity market. According to the world’s leading mobile handset manufacturer, the 1.25-kilogram Nokia Booklet 3G mini-laptop, encased in an aluminium chassis that measures just over two centimetres in thickness, delivers “the rich experience of a full-function PC”.
      "A growing number of people want the computing power of a PC with the full benefits of mobility," says Kai Öistämö, Nokia's Executive Vice President for Devices, in a Nokia press release.
      "We are in the business of connecting people and the Nokia Booklet 3G is a natural evolution for us. Nokia has a long and rich heritage in mobility and with the outstanding battery life, premium design and all-day, always-on connectivity, we will create something quite compelling. In doing so we will make the personal computer more social, more helpful and more personal", Öistämö continues.
     
The Nokia mini-laptop is equipped with Intel’s Atom processor.
      It also comes with an HDMI port for HD video out, a front-facing camera for video calling, integrated Bluetooth and an easily accessible SD card reader, Nokia lists.
      Additional features include a 10” HD-ready glass display and built-in A-GPS.
      According to the information technology research and advisory company Gartner, last year some 11.8 million mini-laptops were sold in the world and this year the figure is expected to more than double to 25 million. Gartner suspects that next year between 29 and 48 million mini-laptops will be sold worldwide.
     
Gartner analyst Carolina Milanesi is slightly surprised by the fact that the Nokia Booklet 3G is equipped with the Microsoft Windows operating system.
      Milanesi points out, however, that this may prove to be a smart decision from Nokia, as MS Windows is the world’s most widely-used computer operating system.
      “From the consumers’ point of view the combination of Nokia and Microsoft may be a very attractive package.”
      Milanesi believes that Nokia may aim to attract clients who are prepared to pay slightly more for their mini-laptop. Nokia has not yet revealed the device’s price.
      In the pricing of such equipment teleoperators also have a role to play, as they provide the needed wireless connections and charge for the service. Mini-laptops come with an integrated 3G modem, to which a SIM card is installed.
      In addition to mobile networks, the Nokia Booklet 3G can also access the Internet by connecting to a wireless local area network (WLAN).


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Nokia and Intel to develop new products (24.6.2009)
  Nokia and Microsoft to form global alliance on software and services to Nokia smartphones (13.8.2009)
  More than a million use new Nokia mobile e-mail service (12.8.2009)
  No end in sight to Nokia´s woes in North America (11.8.2009)

Links:
  Nokia Press Release