Nokia plans Intel Atom-based netbook

The company said its coming Windows-based Nokia Booklet 3G will widen its portfolio, "bringing another important ingredient in the move towards becoming a mobile solutions company."

By Suzanne Deffree, Managing Editor, News -- Electronic News, 8/24/2009

Broadening itself beyond its core mobile phone market, Nokia this morning announced plans to enter the world of PCs with a netbook that will use Intel Atom processors.

The Espoo, Finland-based company said its coming Windows-based Nokia Booklet 3G will widen the Nokia portfolio, "satisfying a need in the operator channel, and bringing another important ingredient in the move towards becoming a mobile solutions company."

"We are in the business of connecting people and the Nokia Booklet 3G is a natural evolution for us," said Kai Oistamo, Nokia's executive VP for devices, in a statement.

The move follows an August 12, announced alliance between Nokia and Microsoft that saw the two companies immediately begin to collaborate on the design, development, and marketing of mobile solutions that bring Microsoft Office Mobile to Nokia's Symbian devices. The companies identified smartphones as the initial target, however, analysts at the time suspected there could be more to the alliance.

While Nokia has maintained its leading producer position in the mobile phone market despite the economic downturn, it is far from unscathed. The company has recorded handset ASP (average selling price) declines for the last six quarters pressured by increased competition for high-end phones including the extremely popular iPhone and business-focused Blackberry.
           
The 25-year mobile industry company said the Nokia Booklet 3G will hold up to 12 hours of battery life, weigh 1.25 kilograms, and measure slightly more than two centimeters thin. Connectivity options will include 3G/HSPA and Wi-Fi.  
 
The netbook also will come with an HDMI port, a front facing camera for video calling, integrated Bluetooth, and an SD card reader. Other features include a 10-inch glass HD ready display and integrated A-GPS.
 
Nokia said further information, including detailed specifications, market availability, and pricing, will be announced at Nokia World on September 2.