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Keepin' it real fake: the affordable, off-contract Nokia Booklet 3G you've been waiting for, maybe
It may not be the most timely KIRF we've seen, but it looks like folks that were taken with the Nokia Booklet 3G's design but not its high, on-contract price will soon have the device they've been waiting for -- sort of. While its 3G-ness is still in question, this as yet unnamed netbook does pack a 10.1-inch, 1,024 x 600 display, along with an Atom N450 processor, 1GB of RAM, a 160GB hard drive, a non-removable battery, and "maybe" an HDMI output. Still no word on an exact price or release date, but M.I.C Gadget expects it to be "at most" 2,000 yuan, or just under $300. [Thanks, Chris]
Nokia's VP talks N8, MeeGo 'milestone product,' tablets, Android and more!
Nokia's prepping for a fourth quarter launch of its MeeGo smartphone. The N8 will hit before the end of Q3. The company's absolutely not planning to use Android and a tablet isn't happening anytime soon. And that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the stuff we learned this morning during our captivating chat with Niklas Savander, Espoo's executive vice president and general manager of the Markets unit. With its quarterly profits dropping and losing daily (in mindshare, at least) to the Apples, HTCs and Motorolas of the world, we were certainly not lacking questions when we headed into the meeting, and Savander took on our questions about Nokia's short and long term plans with stride. We've got the key points of the interview bulleted out after the break -- and the full transcript after that.
Nokia Booklet 3G slips to $199 on contract 'through the holidays'
Few people were debating that the $299 on contract price for Nokia's Atom-powered Booklet 3G was a bit steep, but now it has fallen more in line with its closest competition thanks to a price drop at Best Buy Mobile. From December 13th "through the holidays," the Windows 7-packin' machine (which we just recently reviewed) will be available for $199.99 with a two-year AT&T Data Connect plan. Of course, there's a good chance you'll regret the decision to jump on this when the next-generation Atom hits at CES (which is happening, right Intel?), but hey, Santa's got to do what Santa's got to do. [Thanks, Hary]
Nokia Booklet 3G review
You might think MikroMikko is the name of some Asian fusion restaurant, but it was actually Nokia's first computer line -- and in 1987, the MikroMikko 3 was a state-of-the-art MS-DOS machine with 1MB of RAM and 20MB drive. It's been about 25 years since Nokia's made a computer bigger than an N900, but it's back in the game with its first netbook, the Booklet 3G. Nokia's pitching the Booklet as a top-of-the-line machine with an all-aluminum chassis, integrated connectivity and GPS apps, and at $599 it's certainly priced that way -- although inside it's got a low-power Atom processor and 4,200rpm hard drive. The Booklet 3G is one of the best-looking netbooks out there, but is Nokia's entry back into the market a winner? Click on to find out what we think of the entire system in our full review.%Gallery-79539%
Best Buy stocking Nokia's Booklet 3G on November 15th
We knew good and well that Nokia's Booklet 3G was coming to Best Buy sometime "during the holidays," and now we've got something a bit more precise to share. Starting now, Reward Zone members can waltz into their local store and place a pre-order, while public availability is pegged for November 15th (though we already know that a select few have 'em in stock). As we'd heard, the 2.76-pound, Atom-powered netbook will be sold for $299.99 with a 2-year AT&T data contract or $599.99 straight-up. Oh, and if you're looking to get your order in early, we'd recommend printing out that image above just so you don't baffle anyone with your otherworldly request.
Nokia's Booklet 3G in high enough demand to warrant a successor?
We're still not entirely convinced that there are enough netbook-needing Nokia fanbois out there to make the Booklet 3G a retail success, but word on the internets is that the folks in Espoo are seeing "strong market demand," which, if true, must be a little surprising even to them. Assuming orders are indeed high it's logical to expect a successor, and rumors are suggesting that Compal is expecting the nod to start building the next generation model -- not a particularly shocking notion since the company is already building the current Booklet. When will we see this neo Nokia netbook? Sometime next year... supposedly.
Nokia Booklet 3G running Windows 7 Starter unwrapped at Best Buy
If your pulse is racing like Windows 7 on an Atom processor then this Nokia Booklet 3G is surely the cause. The premium netbook running Microsoft's not so premium 32-bit, Aero-less Starter Edition OS (see the sticker?) is the first demo unit to arrive at Best Buy. Buyers better enjoy looking at that Windows flag 'cause with Starter, it's the only wallpaper you're ever going to get. %Gallery-76339% [Thanks, Caffoni]
Nokia Booklet 3G hands-on (with video!)
That $599 non-subsidized price still sounds silly -- and $299 with a 2-year $60 monthly contract seems almost more extreme -- but there's no denying that the Booklet 3G is a truly premium netbook. It's light, strong and very elegant, with an aluminum chassis, wonderful keyboard and spacious two-finger-scroll touchpad. Unfortunately, those netbook innards deliver about what you'd expect in the performance arena (almost too slow for web browsing), and NY's AT&T 3G coverage certainly doesn't serve the laptop well (as demonstrated on video after the break). There's also the small matter of the screen: it has a pretty weak viewing angle, particularly from above, and overall just seems a little dim. Nokia's software approach isn't too revolutionary, since the Social Hub -- which offers threaded text messaging over 3G -- is the only exclusive app on the computer, and the Ovi Maps-branded GPS software is still in the works. Overall, the appeal is probably going to be strongest with dyed-in-the-wool Nokia fans and people with a bit of extra cash to burn, but this is an obviously elegant product that doesn't do any sort of disservice to its phone heritage. Update: Nokia just clarified to us that the demo units at this event were actually from the UK, and therefore don't have US 3G -- which would certainly explain some of the speed issues. %Gallery-75435%
Nokia tells all on Booklet 3G: $299 with a 2-year contract on AT&T
Nokia, AT&T, Best Buy and Microsoft are all holding hands and singing the same song about Nokia's Booklet 3G today. The good news is that the device will be subsidized by AT&T, at $299 with a 2-year contract at a $60 a month data plan -- with other rate plans and prices to be announced -- and a $599 non-subsidized price. It'll be out with the launch of Windows 7 on October 22nd and available exclusively through Best Buy through the holidays. Nokia's also pretty strong about stating that 12 hour battery life isn't a "brochure number" but a real number -- though we doubt that since Nokia is using Mobile Mark '07 which doesn't include wireless in its base tests.
Nokia Booklet to hit O2 Germany October 22 for €249 on contract (update: €749 total)
Nokia just posted up some of the first official details on the launch of the Booklet 3G, and they're... actually a little confusing. The aluminum netbook will hit O2 Germany for €249 ($366) on a €20 ($29) tariff over 24 months, but there's also mention of a "flat rate data tariff" of €25 ($36) per month -- we're guessing the flat rate is for buyers who snag the Booklet for the full price of €699 ($1,029), but honestly, that's not how the post on Nokia Conversations reads at all. We're trying to get it cleared up, and we've got a feeling we'll be hearing about availability in other markets including the States soon enough, so stick around. Update: Okay, the Nokia PR is out and as commenter Amyd has helpfully translated for us, you're looking at two different payments here: the O2 MyHandy purchase program, where you buy the Booklet for €249 upfront and dish out €20 a month for two years, and the actual O2 wireless service, which is €25 a month. That's a total of €749 for the Booklet 3G, plus the service fee -- yeah, we'll pass.
Motorola Sholes to launch by holidays, along with the BlackBerry Storm 2 and Nokia Booklet 3G
Well well, it looks like the Android-powered Motorola Sholes will be out on Verizon by the holidays. That's at least the impression we're getting from a bunch of leaked Verizon retailer documents posted up by Boy Genius Report, which also indicate the BlackBerry Storm 2, Curve 2 and LG Chocolate Touch will hit Big Red in time for eggnog, along with an unspecified netbook -- we're guessing this Gateway number. Speaking of netbooks, a similar document from Best Buy Mobile also leaked over the weekend, and it looks like the Nokia Booklet 3G will be exclusive to Best Buy and compatible with AT&T 3G. Oh, and the Pixi is coming, but you already knew that. Here's the real mystery, though: "There are multiple Android launches across multiple carriers, along with some new technology that doesn't exist today." That's certainly open for interpretation, so we leave it to you -- is Best Buy Mobile about to start selling teleporters, or what? Read - Sam's Club and Target Verizon docs Read - Best Buy Mobile docs
Microsoft's dual-screen Courier booklet emerges, isn't near production
We know, we know -- you're probably still waiting for the Apple tablet that'll never come, but how's about a prototype alternative from said outfit's arch enemy to tide you over? Gizmodo has just let slip details surrounding what was previously a top secret project deep within the lairs of Redmond, but given that this is more of an advanced proof of concept than anything else, we're doing our best to curb our inner enthusiasm about a near-term release. We're told that the folding device could eventually ship with dual 7-inch displays, both of which support multitouch gestures and can also be controlled via a stylus. It should too boast a camera and possibly an inductive charging pad on the rear, though we can't help but be a wee bit frightened by hearing that the user interface is "complex." Essentially, the Courier is a touch-friendly, two-screen tablet that can't let go of the tried-and-true pen input method, and your guess is as good as ours when it comes to purpose. Though, something tells us ASUS might just have the answer. Video's after the break.
Nokia Booklet 3G hits the unboxing phase of its product cycle
Might as well add your own soundtrack, because chances are, you won't be able to understand what the narrator with a tattoo on his left hand is saying. Not that you really need, as you can probably get the gist of this Nokia Booklet 3G unboxing. We've got blue packaging, a power brick, a "Hello, Hei" greeting just under the portable itself, and a fairly sleek portable to boot. Of course, with a $800 price tag on the outside and an Atom processor on the inside, it's not the most attractive of combinations. See the whole kit and caboodle after the break. [Thanks, mimo]
Nokia puts Booklet 3G netbook up for pre-order... in Italy
So, we've got some good news and bad news. The good news is that Nokia's already offering up its Booklet 3G netbook for pre-order over in Italy, which is becoming an all-too-familiar scene for Nokia wares. The bad news is that the posted price is, um, absurd. During a keynote at Nokia World 09, listeners were told that the Windows 7-powered machine would ring up at "just" €570, yet Nokia's own Italian e-store has it listed for €699. That's just over a grand in Greenbacks, though we get the feeling it'll be selling for substantially less once the feel-good emotions fade and cold, hard economics take their toll.Update: As pointed out in the comments, the announced €570 price was likely pre-tax and pre-carrier subsidy as is typical for Nokia's European announcements. The €699 price is thus VAT inclusive.[Via I4U News]
Nokia Booklet 3G gets its very own promo video
You know what would be nice? If Nokia's Booklet 3G actually made us feel as uplifted and inspired as the music in this fancy new promo video does. And why is it shown running Windows 7 Media Center, which will likely tax the 1.6GHz Atom Z530 and presumably integrated graphics beyond usability, but there aren't any shots of the Ovi apps in action? Aren't they the reason we're supposed to get all excited about paying a huge markup for this thing? And -- will using it make our hands look like that? We found only questions in the video beyond the break, but we're sure some of you have answers.
Video: Nokia's N900, N97 mini, X3, X6 and Booklet 3G hands-on roundup
Just in case you missed it, you should probably be informed that Nokia had quite the morning yesterday as Nokia World 2009 kicked off in Stuttgart. Not only was the N97 mini made official, but the company's Booklet 3G was fully detailed and the first two handsets in the newfangled X series were also unveiled. Naturally, a slew of cameras descended upon the new gear just as soon as the suits left the stage, and we've rounded up the best of the best below for your perusal and enjoyment. If you're looking for the actual news on these very devices, have a look right here, and feel free to hop on past the break for a few videos from the show floor.Read - Booklet 3G hands-on photos (more angles)Read - Booklet 3G hands-on video (another take)Read - Nokia X3 and X6 hands-on videoRead - Nokia N900 hands-on videoRead - N97 mini hands-on video
Nokia's Booklet 3G detailed further at Nokia World, priced at €570
The news from Stuttgart just keeps on flowing, with Nokia also revealing the unashamedly long specifications list to its hotly-anticipated Booklet 3G. Moving forward, the company will focus on "phones, smartphones and mobile computers," with this here netbook being the first major entrant into that final category. The biggest news is probably the half-day (12 hours) battery life, though we're understandably curious to see how that holds up under real-world testing. The machine will also ship with a 1.6GHz Intel Atom Z530 CPU, Windows 7, WiFi and a built-in, hot-swappable SIM card slot for 3G access. The whole thing will measure just 0.78-inches thick and will ship in black, ice (white) and azure (blue) motifs, though we're most interested to see just how toasty this thing will get given its "fanless design." Other specs include 1GB of DDR2 RAM, a 120GB hard drive (1.8-inch, 4200RPM), integrated Ovi Suite, a 10.1-inch LCD (1,280 x 720 resolution) and an almost unheard of 16-cell Li-ion battery that's user-removable. Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, Assisted-GPS, HDMI, USB 2.0 (x3), an SD card reader and a 1.3 megapixel camera will also be present, and the inbuilt accelerometer should make for some unique add-ons. We're still searching for an exact release date, but Anssi Vanjok made clear that the €570 ($810) asking price is apt to be heavily subsidized by carriers across the globe. Still, $810 for a netbook? Ouch.
Nokia Booklet 3G to run $799?
Barely more than 24 hours after the Nokia stunner of the century -- the company's announcement of the Booklet 3G "mini laptop" -- we're starting to get some more details about the 10.1-incher. Netbook News is reporting an unnamed source that claims the netbook will run $799 -- certainly not a netbook price. The Booklet will boast a 1.6GHz Intel Atom Z530, and will reportedly boast a 120GB HDD, plus integrated 3G, a swappable SIM card, A-GPS, Bluetooth and WiFi. There is no official word on pricing or release date, but we're expecting to hear tell of all that at Nokia World (which is on September 2nd). There are a few previously unseen shots after the break -- and hit the read link for even more. Read - Nokia 3G Booklet costs $799! Read - Nokia Booklet specification update
Nokia Booklet 3G is really real, as seen on camera
Not that we thought it was a fabrication this morning, but Reuters has managed to snap a few pictures of the Nokia Booklet 3G "mini laptop" to assure us that there is indeed at least one physical unit in existence, located at the company's Helsinki headquarters. As seen in another photo, the model sports the blue lid, and just so you're absolutely clear how a 10.1-inch netbook sizes up to an actual phone, we've got a side-by-side with an E71. Looks like we'll have to wait until Nokia World to figure out what Intel Atom processor they've got inside that makes sense to pair with a HDMI output, however. Update: Nokia might be mum on the issue, but Intel tells Pocket-lint that it's got the 1.6GHz Intel Atom Z530 chipset, which isn't exactly known for its HD video prowess but can technically do up to 720p. No word on any other technology that make the HDMI port more logical, but if there is was, it's probably not coming from NVIDIA or Broadcom -- both companies have denied involvement with the Booklet. [Via Liliputing and Slashgear]
Nokia introduces Booklet 3G 'mini laptop'
Nokia rocked the world this morning by introducing its spin on the laptop, called the Booklet 3G. If you're the rude sort (like us) you could call it a fancy netbook, what with its Atom processor and 10.1-inch display, but that screen is higher res than your average Eee, and it also sports integrated 3G wireless and a hot-swappable SIM card, so it's definitely trying to define its own niche. It looks to be running Windows 7, which isn't particularly netbooky, and also has integrated A-GPS with a copy of Ovi Maps, HDMI output, a rated 12 hour battery life, and the usual Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, all in a 2cm (.78 inch), 2.7lb aluminum body that's understated, sophisticated, and should make most Nokia fans very happy -- Nokia fans who are looking for a tiny laptop, anyway. There's a fancy promotional video after the break, and while we don't have any anticipated release date or price just yet, we'll be learning more at Nokia World 09 on September 2. We promise not to make too many Foleo references.