Nokia, the largest mobile handset manufacturer in the world, has announced it will enter the laptop market, with plans to release a netbook that may come pre-loaded with Microsoft’s new Windows 7 operating system.
The announcement of the “Booklet 3G” device comes after chief executive Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo said earlier this year the company is “looking at the netbook market to see what kind of opportunity is there”.
But the company says the Booklet 3G differs from other netbooks, as the device is 3G/HSPA ready – meaning users will have constant access to the same mobile broadband connection found in smartphones such as the iPhone and BlackBerry.
The device also boasts a 10-inch HD screen, a GPS chip, Wi-Fi connectivity, HDMI ports, an SD-card reader and a 12-hour battery.
“A growing number of people want the computing power of a PC with the full benefits of mobility,” said Kai Oistamo, Nokia’s vice president for devices, in a statement. “We are in the business of connecting people and the Nokia Booklet 3G is a natural evolution for us.”
Nokia has traditionally focussed on mobile handsets, and currently claims 38% of that market. But Oistamo told Reuters that the 3G device is “an opportunity to bring a fresh perspective to the PC world”.
Additionally, the company said the device will be able to work with the company’s Ovi-services, which could include syncing between Nokia handsets and even access to the Ovi application store.
The device is being manufactured in conjunction with Microsoft, which has led some tech analysts to believe the Booklet 3G could come pre-loaded with the new Windows 7 operating system.
But Nokia has not released any details about the device’s software, or even its final price and release date. These are expected to be finalised at the Nokia World conference on 2 September.
The device comes as the laptop market is growing more competitive, with stripped-down, cheaper “netbooks” gaining an advantage over more expensive and comprehensive models.
The market is also preparing for an announcement from Apple, which is expected to release a tablet computer that could challenge the netbook’s growth.
Patrick Stafford is a freelance journalist and a former deputy editor of SmartCompany.
