3G Booklet: Nokia tries netbooks

Now that famous computer manufacturers are trying their hand at making smartphones, it's hardly surprising to learn that the world's leading mobile manufacturer is turning to netbooks.

One day, mobile phone and computer manufacturers will all share the same goal: creating mobility.  The merging of the two sectors continues apace, and the arrival of Nokia in this very competitive sector of the market which is still experiencing huge growth is no surprise.

Diversifying income streams

Sales of desktop computers are down, as are sales of mobiles other than smartphones.  Manufacturers need to turn to increase the number of products they offer in the hope the of diversifying their income stream.  It's an essential strategy for Nokia.

Experts at producing mobile products--and with an excellent relationship with the phone networks, like all mobile manufacturers, to ensure that its costs are covered--there was already plenty of suspicion that Nokia would launch a netbook: "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," claims Kai Oistamo, Nokia's Executive Vice President for Devices.

Record battery life

Weighing just 1.25 kg and less than an inch thick, the Booklet 3G has a 10.2'' screen.  Nokia has claimed it will have a battery life of 12 hours, but we imagine that you will need to use two batteries to keep going that long.

Excellent styling for a high-end netbook

Running Windows on an Intel Atom processor, the new netbook designed by the Finnish manufacturer has an attractive case in brushed aluminium, unlike most other netbooks which cover for colourful glossy plastics.


Nokia hasn't skimped on connectivity, including a HDMI video port, a webcam, an SD card reader, Blutooth, an A-GPS chip and the choice of 3G/3G+ or WiFi for connecting wirelessly.

We don't yet know the price, nor when it will be available, but it's fair to assume that the Booklet 3G won't be an entry-level option.  That could well count against the Booklet 3G given its competitors' low prices.

> Product Survey: Netbooks