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Nokia unveils Booklet 3G netbook

Published on 25th August 2009 by Gareth Halfacree

The design of the Booklet 3G has a certain Mac aesthetic, but the connectivity specifications certainly aren't derivative.

Finnish mobile 'phone giant Nokia is entering the netbook market with a HSDPA-connected Mac-inspired model dubbed the Booklet 3G.

As unveiled over on BetaNews, the Booklet 3G is a rather natty looking device featuring a 10" screen nestled in an aluminium chassis a mere 2cm thick. The choice of metal over plastic gives the unit a more robust feel - and a look which isn't a million miles away from something that might have come from Apple's designers - at the cost of a slight increase in weight compared to its competitors, tipping the scales at a still-portable 1.25KG.

Coming as it does from a mobile specialist, the connectivity is pretty neat: with an integral 3G dongle, it's quite likely we'll be seeing the Booklet offered at a discount along with a monthly data plan from the major mobile providers. WiFi is, of course, also provided - along with Bluetooth for the all-too-obvious mobile 'phone syncing. Interestingly, the unit offers in-built assisted GPS - something Nokia has been making available in its smartphones for some time, but that is a relative novelty in the netbook marketplace.

Additional details on the unit are scant, but it's thought that it will be shipped running Windows 7 rather than the by-now ageing Windows XP so beloved of traditional netbook manufacturers. The usual extras - SD card reader for additional storage, webcam of questionable quality which gets used once and then ignored - are fitted as standard, along with something rather novel: an HDMI output port. Whether this points to some hardware-based assistance enabling the as-yet unspecified Intel Atom processor to pump out 720p - or, if we may dream, 1080p - video without a hitch is not yet known.

The Booklet 3G is expected to launch on the 2nd of September, at an as-yet secret price point - and, as is increasingly common, in a variety of colours.

Could this be the device that convinces you to move towards a netbook as your next mobile computer, or will it all depend on how much Nokia will be charging? Are netbooks in general still missing something you consider a vital requirement? Share your thoughts over in the forums.

12 Comments

Discuss in the forums Reply

Veles 25th August 2009, 13:16

That sounds pretty interesting, although I'm sure all the other netbook makers will jump on the internal 3G dongle at some point though so it's probably worth waiting 6 months or so.

Bauul 25th August 2009, 13:20

Interesting, that actually looks like a nice product. All they need to do now is get the pricing right and they might be on to a winner.

steveo_mcg 25th August 2009, 15:06

Is this atom based? I'm surprised Nokia aren't offering a Linux version as well given there purchase earlier this year.

Xir 25th August 2009, 22:23

Quote:

webcam of questionable quality which gets used once and then ignored

Skype?

leexgx 26th August 2009, 12:42

most do not want or understand linux as an default option most of them get sent back for the XP (or 7 version), as basic things like msn and printers do not work and wireless in some cases (WPA hack still does not work very well on linux does not always work/connect, WEP is fine thought)

netbook it self looks nice most likely going to a lot of cost money

steveo_mcg 26th August 2009, 13:06

Printers and WPA work fine its mostly a matter of familiarity, people "get" how windows works they've invested years learning it, that hurdle is the biggest problem for Linux. I can see why manufactures wouldn't want to sell Linux, support issues returns etc, but i wish they would offer netbooks/nettops with out MS as an option.

RichCreedy 26th August 2009, 22:05

MS is Your Friend ;)

xprodancer 27th August 2009, 02:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bauul
Interesting, that actually looks like a nice product. All they need to do now is get the pricing right and they might be on to a winner.

I have to agree with this! If this comes with a decent price i will have one to play with at work!!!! and with the GPS i could use this instead of my SATNAV bigger screen and i can turn off the bloody annoying (turn left/right) voice! and for everyone thats gona go on about turning the volume down on my SATNAV, why not dissable it for the GPS and still plug it onto my sound system and listern to what i want to!!!!!

docodine 27th August 2009, 05:48

Likely $600+?

Shagbag 27th August 2009, 15:09

Quote:

rather than the by-now ageing Windows XP so beloved of traditional netbook manufacturers

lol. That's an interesting way of looking at why Vista isn't installed on netbooks.

samkiller42 2nd September 2009, 18:57

Pricing has been released:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trusted Reviews
If all this sounds too good to be true, though, spare a thought for the price. Though it will doubtless be heavily subsidised on contracts (probably long ones), the 'SIM free' price will be a whopping 570 Euros - just under £500.

Trusted Reviews

Sam

boggsi 5th September 2009, 16:23

I wouldn't mind spending quite a bit for something like this. Sounds like a great device!