Updated: Nokia enters the notebook business with the Booklet 3G
The rumor that Nokia is about to take on the notebook market has been floating about for quite some time and now the manufacturer has revealed their first project. Actually, the first device they are planning to release is a 10.1-inch display netbook, called the Booklet 3G that, similarly to most other devices in the same class, will come equipped with an Intel Atom CPU. Judging by the commercial, the netbook will be running the latest Microsoft OS version, Windows 7, but we still don´t know if versions powered by previous Windows editions, say XP are to roll out. The device itself looks quite appealing with a slim, aluminum body in several different colors. It will feature an HDMI port and even more, its glass-covered display is advertised as HD-Ready, although we still don´t have a clue about its native resolution or whether or not HD video playback will be supported. The Booklet 3G will come packed with all standard features like video call camera, SD card reader, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. And not last, the manufacturer claims its battery will be powerful enough to keep it alive for no less but the impressive 12 hrs on a single charge.
Given Nokia´s extensive experience in the mobile communications sector, it´s no wonder the Booklet 3G will feature 3G/HSPA support to allow you to remain connected to the Internet even when you´re on the road. The device will support hot swapping of SIM cards and it´s a good thing you will also have a built-in A-GPS and Ovi Maps in case you need navigation functionality. Finally, the Booklet 3G will come preloaded with various Ovi apps, covering services like email, contacts, calendar, file sharing etc. functions.
As a whole, the Nokia Booklet 3G looks like a high-end netbook, similar to the Sony Vaio P, so we suppose it will hit the shelves with a decent price tag. More details about its other features, retail price and release date are still unavailable, but the manufacturer has promised to reveal them on 2 September at Nokia World. We will be covering the event live, so stay tuned for our first impressions! Fingers crossed Nokia proves to be equally good at netbooks.
Updated: We were able to spend very short time with the new Nokia Booklet 3G and can share the following information with you: it plays 720p content without a hitch. According to some Nokia folks, even 1080p video playback is possible but with some visualization issues. The native screen resolution is also 720p.
We got conflicting information (which we'll confirm tomorrow) about the processor - it is either Z330 or Z530 (both 1.6 GHz, but the first is dual-core). Expect our full coverage from Nokia World tomorrow.
source: Nokia, Nokia Conversations
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