The world’s largest mobile phone maker Nokia has announced it is to produce a netbook computer to rival wireless internet ones already on the market.
The company said the Nokia Booklet 3G will run Windows software, have a ten-inch screen and weigh just under 3lbs putting it squarely in the category.
Nokia said it would reveal the price and launch date on September 2. Most netbooks sell for less than £300.
Nokia said its PC would be “satisfying a need” among wireless internet providers. Many sell the netbooks at a subsidised rate with a tie-in to their services.
Unlike most netbooks, Nokia’s Booklet will have a built-in GPS navigation chip coupled to Nokia’s Ovi Maps software, and an aluminium cover which is designed to contrast with the usual plastic.
Nokia has previously tried to expand its portfolio beyond phones, making a “tablet” computer that runs non-Windows software. It has not been a mainstream success.
