24 Augusty 2009

First Nokia Booklet 3G Promo Video And My Thoughts And Impressions On The Netbook Itself

Nokia today confirmed long-running rumors that company is planning to enter the computer space, unveiling Nokia Booklet 3G, company’s first netbook (or ultra portable Minibook) powered by Intel's Atom chipset and more (or less) surprisingly based on the Microsoft's Windows instead of its Own Symbian OS (that is also Running On Intel's Atom Chipset) or Maemo platform they've been using on their Internet Tablets.

Why is it interesting? Well, Nokia continues to lose smartphone market share and move into this heavily commoditized market segment signals that company is attempting to diversify its product offering and regain momentum and to further push its internet services.

The use of Microsoft's Windows operating system is interesting as well, especially now when the Google is set to offer its free Android mobile-phone operating system for computers and all the hype around the new tablet/netbook that Apple is coming out with! This Windows based Netbook will definitely open a new front in its rivalry with both, Google and Apple, and proves that their mobile enterprise alliance with Microsoft is much more than just Office on the smartphones!

It is also interesting that computer business is not entirely strange for Nokia, as in the mid 1980's Nokia had a PC division, and merged it with Ericsson Information Systems, whose origins lay in the purchase by Ericsson of the computer business of Saab. The merged company, Nokia Data was later sold to UK based ICL in 1991 - and later became part of the larger Fujitsu group. Nokia Data's most notable computer was the MikroMikko 1 - which was sold all around the world.

So, MikroMikko’s successor will be powered by Intel's Atom processor (exact model is unconfirmed), the mini-laptop offers wide range of connectivity options including 3G/HSPA (hot swap SIM slot), WiFi, Bluetooth and supports Nokia's range of Ovi services.

Furthermore, it offers a 10-inch 'HD ready' (1366 x 768 pixels!?) display, HDMI output, built-in A-GPS, claimed run for 12 hours on one battery charge, front cam for video calls and it looks to be running Windows 7. Unfortunately, all further details, including availability and pricing will be announced on September 2 at long awaited Nokia World event.

*click to enlarge