Nokia Corp., the world’s largest maker of cell phones has said that it will start making a small, light laptop, similar to ones PC manufacturers are already selling through wireless carriers around the world.
The Finnish company says the Nokia Booklet 3G will run Microsoft Corp.’s Windows software, have a 10-inch screen and weigh 2.8 pounds. That puts it squarely in the “netbook” category pioneered by Taiwanese manufacturers like AsusTek Computer Inc. Nokia said it would reveal the price and launch date of the PC on Sept. 2. Most netbooks sell for less than $500.
Unlike most netbooks, Nokia’s Booklet will have a built-in GPS navigation chip coupled to Nokia’s Ovi Maps software, and an aluminum cover to contrast with the usual plastic. Nokia has previously tried to expand its portfolio beyond cell phones, making a “tablet” computer that runs non-Windows software. It hasn’t been a mainstream success.