Nokia Unveils Its First Netbook

andylim writes "Today Nokia unveiled its first netbook that runs Windows and packs an Intel Atom processor. The Nokia Booklet 3G is the first Nokia device to feature a full-sized keypad and a 10-inch display. Recombu.com has listed the specs, which include an SD card reader, Bluetooth, GPS, 3G, HSDPA (3.5G), Wi-Fi, an HDMI port for HD video out and a front-facing camera for video calling. According to Nokia, the Booklet will provide 12 hours of battery life."

Comments

Re:Uh... Windows?

[Ed Avis]

I don't know what is meant by saying Maemo wasn't written for Intel hardware. It's just standard Linux stuff, largely based on Debian. Of course you can build and run it on Intel CPUs. It's true it does have some proprietary bits which Nokia builds and distributes for ARM only, but since it's their own code, I assume they could port it pretty easily if they wanted. If they think a Windows laptop will sell better, that's their judgement, but I think they missed a trick by not offering a Linux version.

Can it run Linux?

[bobv-pillars-net]

If I put Ubuntu on it, can I still make phone calls with the built-in GSM/HSDPA?

Waiting for detailed specs. If the hardware is supported under Linux, I don't mind blowing away the pre-installed Windows. It's not like they put the O/S in ROM.

Re:Can it run Linux?

[Bert64]

If the modem presents itself to the system in a standard way then sure, you could probably even install android on it and use it like a (very large) phone.

Re:Can it run Linux?

[operator_error]

I don't see why not. I purchased a 3g contract that included a USB dongle that accepted a SIM card. I swear upon simply plugging it into a live Ubuntu 8.10 machine, that thing had a connection in less than 5 seconds, no password needed, (the SIM *is* the 'password' and key to the account. 1 SIM per account, period.)

FWIW, I chose to take the SIM out of the dongle, and it lives in my Nokia N95. This way I have 3g internet (and SIP calls) for the N95 as well as any wifi device nearby, using Joikuspot and hot-swappable AA rechargeable batteries, when needed. Nokia and 3rd parties sell little plastic AA battery holders; joikuspot needs it) If power is available, the N95 functioning as 3g router can draw power from USB via a retractable cable a buddy told me to buy off eBay for a single pound sterling, via Hong Kong. It actually cost me 2.30 euro, but still, what a unit!

Way More Windows Users Here Than You Think

[RobotRunAmok]

why is another Windows PC considered Slashdot front page material?

My guess is that the majority of slashdot readers use Windows. Many of them won't admit it (here), much in the same way a fan of pop music will keep mum when he sits down at a cafeteria table he suspects is populated exclusively with sniffy jazz enthusiasts, but that only makes them a Silent Majority.

Slashdot has grown way, way, beyond it's Linux / Buffy / Anime roots, as has "geekdom" itself. It would be foolish for the editors not to acknowledge this by not running stories of interest to "mainstream tech enthusiasts," who I suspect are the majority of its readers.

FWIW, I've been using Linux since 1994, but still have a Windows box because I need to run some client's apps that are Windows-only. Both OS's have their failings, both have their charms.

Re:Way More Windows Users Here Than You Think

[Anonymous Coward]

It doesn't matter what slashdot users use. Another Atom+Windows netbook is not news. And it IS disappointing, as Windows is a disappointing OS and does not fit the hardware well. I find it disappointing in the same way I would have been disappointed if people of the 80's had bought Amigas, Atari STs, etc. and just ran CP/M and Wordstar on them.

          What Nokia really needs is to make an ARM netbook. The N900 gets pretty close, they could basically put a slightly bigger screen + keyboard on it and call it a day... it already is basically a debian distro, I think ubuntu for arm would probably run on the thing as-is.

Re:KDE

[Amouth]

on top of that if you look at the promo video its Windows 7 NOT windows XP like all of the other "net books"

to me that is a selling point for MS.. it Nokia can put out a net book with all this wonderful connectivity + 12 hours usable run time + having windows 7 vs XP then MS will have a strong selling point (much better IMO than the moheav crap)

my hopes is that this (because of the HD offering) actualy has it.. that size + a HD+ quality screen (1280x800 would be wonderful for 10in) and the nVidia GPU dual core Atom refrence board we saw a few months ago to power it.

I like the idea of the netbooks and the Atom. and having HT on the atom is nice.. but dual core Atoms are by far what i would want. but no one releases them saddly.

Re:No ARM

[Midnight Thunder]

I would love to see an ARM netbook from Nokia, none of this Atom crap

So would I, but there are certain realities to take into consideration:
  - most users still want to run MS-Windows
  - MS-Windows is not ARM ready
  - There are hardly any mainstream Linux distributions that are ARM ready.

Re:Price?

[Joce640k]

>"Nokia adds that the Booklet will be able to access services such as the Nokia Music Store, "

ie. It comes preloaded with an avalanche of crapware.

Intel Atom

[slummy]

Intel Atom by itself is garbage.

On the other hand, an Intel Atom with an NVIDIA GPU is called ION.

I'd buy it if it had an ION, I do like the durability of NOKIA hardware.

Re:No ARM

[Tim4444]

most users still want to run MS-Windows

Most users just want to use the Internet and many of them still don't know or care what an OS is. Even if they know they're running Windows they often can't tell you which version.

hardly any mainstream Linux distributions

They only need one. Besides, most of the Linux netbooks have used heavily customized distros instead of providing off the shelf mainstream distros.

an ARM netbook from Nokia

I'd like an ARM netbook too but not from Nokia. Always Innovating looks more promising http://www.alwaysinnovating.com/