Nokia Announces 12-Hour Windows-Based 3G Netbook

Nokia has finally taken the plunge into the fierce competition of the netbook market, with an Atom-based system running Windows 7, with a 10 inch screen and with a claimed battery life of 12 hours.

The company had been rumoured to have a netbook based on Google’s Android OS in the works, based on the ARM processor, but announced a plan to collaborate with Intel on devices in June. Nokia’s chief executive, Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo hinted on Swedish TV in February that a Nokia netbook was on the way.

Nokia has released press materials and a video about its Booklet 3G, but it will not be properly launched till next week at Nokia world, and there are no details of price or delivery dates. Analysts have expressed surprise that Nokia did not go with Linux – but acknowledged the need to get a good brand and quick time to market.

“From the images it has released, the design looks to go some way to achieving differentiation,” said Pete Cunningham, senior analyst at Canalys, an analyst firm planning to explore these issues at its Mobility Forum in London in November.

The 1.25kg, 26mm thick Booklet 3G has an aluminium case, and mobility features you would expect form Nokia, including 3G/HSPA connectivity, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and built-in GPS. It also has an HDMI port, a front-facing camera for video calls integrated Bluetooth, an SD card slot, and Nokia phone synch software.

For business, the company emphasises it can connect to business apps without a VPN, while it also has music provided by Nokia’s Ovi.

“A growing number of people want the computing power of a PC with the full benefits of mobility,” said Kai Oistamo, Nokia’s executive vice president for devices. “The Nokia Booklet 3G is a natural evolution for us… we will make the personal computer more social, more helpful and more personal.”