Nokia unveils netbook-class Booklet 3G

MANILA, Philippines - Nokia, the Finnish mobile phone powerhouse, has long referred to some of its handset models as “multimedia computers.”

With advanced features in imaging, multimedia playing, mapping, gaming, Web browsing, e-mail, plus a full suite of office productivity tools, its mobile phones are, indeed, full-fledged multimedia computers.

But what happens when the Finnish mobile device giant set its sights on a product that’s decidedly more computer than mobile phone? You get the Nokia Booklet 3G, that’s what.

After more than a quarter century as a pioneer and leader in the electronic mobile device industry, Nokia will bring its rich mobility heritage and experience to the PC world with the new Windows-based Nokia Booklet 3G.

Powered by Intel’s efficient and netbook-optimized Atom processor, the Nokia Booklet 3G delivers impressive performance with up to 12 hours of battery life, enabling users to leave their power cable behind and still be connected and productive for extended periods of time.

Delivering the rich experience of a full-function PC inside an ultra-portable aluminum chassis, the new netbook (Nokia refers to it as a mini-laptop) weighs 1.25 kilograms, measures slightly more than two centimeters thin, and has the features one would expect from the world’s leading mobile device manufacturer.

A broad range of connectivity options — which includes 3G/HSPA and Wi-Fi — gives consumers high-speed access to the Internet, including Nokia’s broad suite of Ovi Services.

“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. “We are in the business of connecting people and the Nokia Booklet 3G is a natural evolution for us.”

“Nokia has a long and rich heritage in mobility and with the outstanding battery life, premium design and all-day, always-on connectivity, we will create something quite compelling. In doing so we will make the personal computer more social, more helpful and more personal,” he added.

The mini-laptop also comes with an HDMI port for HD video-out, a front-facing camera for video calling, integrated Bluetooth, and an easily accessible SD card reader.

Other premium features include the 10-inch glass HD-ready display and integrated A-GPS which, working with Nokia’s Ovi Maps gadget, can pinpoint your position in seconds and open up access for a truly personal maps’ experience.

The Nokia Booklet 3G also brings a number of other rich Ovi experience to life, whether it is access and playback of millions of tracks through the Nokia Music Store, or using Ovi Suite to sync seamlessly from your Nokia smartphone to your mini-laptop.