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Thursday, May 26, 2005
Nokia Unveils Handheld Internet Tablet
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Nokia is straying from its core cellular business with its first non-phone mobile device, a handheld
Internet tablet for accessing the Web around the home over a wireless broadband connection.
The Nokia 770 Internet Tablet unveiled Wednesday is based on the open-source Linux operating
system rather than the Symbian platform it uses for "smart" cell phones or the mobile version of
Microsoft Corp.'s Windows. Nokia said it plans to publish the source code in hopes developers will write
customized software for the device.
Priced at $350, the Internet Tablet is being positioned as an alternative to buying an extra personal
computer or laptop for different rooms, providing a cheaper, quicker and less-cumbersome way to
connect to the Web.
While fairly unique in terms of its handheld size, the Internet Tablet can be seen as the latest in a long
line of attempts to create a so-called "Internet appliance" - a TV-like device providing easy access to
the Web and basic tasks such as e-mail for which the computing power of a full-blown PC is
unnecessary.
Last week, PalmOne. Inc. unveiled a $500 device called the LifeDrive, essentially a cross between a
mobile media player, portable hard drive and an organizer. The LifeDrive features 4 gigabytes of internal
storage and a high-resolution screen for on-the-road access to music, video, digital photos, e-mail and
office documents. It also offers Wi-Fi wireless capability to connect with the Web and corporate
networks remotely.
By contrast, the Nokia tablet is designed specifically for Web browsing and personal e-mail, primarily at
home, though its Wi-Fi transmitter can also connect with public and commercial hot spots.
And while it comes with a slot for removable storage to play music or video, as well as software to play
and view such media, the tablet also is not intended as a rival to Apple Computer Inc.'s iPod or other
MP3 music players, according to Nokia.
The new device, weighing half a pound, is three-quarters of an inch thick, 5.6 inches wide, and 3.1
inches deep. The touch-screen display is 4.1 inches long measured diagonally.
In one similarity to Nokia's smart phones, the tablet employs the Opera browser from Opera Software
ASA.
There's also a USB port to connect with a PC and a Bluetooth transmitter that can be used to connect
with a mobile phone that has cellular online access. |
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