Nokia Offers Tablet PC at LinuxWorld Summit

Nokia introduced its first device what is calls the "new Internet Tablet category." The Nokia 770 Internet Tablet, announced at the Linuxworld Summit in New York, has an 800 x 400 screen, and incorporates both WiFi and Bluetooth wireless technology. Nokia describes it as a "sleek system" that can fit into a pocket. It runs on Linux-based Nokia Internet Tablet 2005 software edition.

The maemo development platform will provide Open Source developers "with the tools and opportunities to collaborate with Nokia on future devices and OS releases in the Internet Tablet category," according to a Nokia Vice President Janne Jormalainen.

"Linux is a logical choice for the Nokia 770 Internet Tablet as Linux and the Open Source development platform provide us with fast and efficient solutions to build products for this new, Nokia product category. This is the first step in creating an Open Source product for broadband and Internet services. We will be launching regularly updates of the software. The next software release planned for the first half of next year will support more presence based functionalities such as VoIP and Instant Messaging", Jormalainen said.

Additional highlighted applications of the Nokia 770 Internet Tablet with the 2005 software include an Internet Radio, RSS News reader, Image viewer and Media players for selected types of media. The Nokia 770 Internet Tablet is planned to start shipping in the third quarter of 2005 in selected countries in the Americas and Europe.

The device moves Nokia away from its core mobile phone business, with an unusual product that will seem best-suited for checking e-mail or browsing the Web while at home or at various WiFi hotspots around the world. It is expected to be delivered in the third quarer of this year with a price in the $350 range.

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