After last week’s hype about the Nokia Booklet 3G, the “mini-laptop” finally had its specs detailed in an official way. The verdict: it’s just a netbook, alright (and an under-powered one, at that).
Touting slim lines and a MacBook-like aluminum unibody, it’s one good-looking piece of hardware. Regardless, hot looks getting priced to the hilt only works when your name is Apple. Unfortunately, Nokia didn’t heed the warning.
Core specs consist of a 1.6GHz Intel Atom Z530 CPU, Intel Poulsbo US15W chipset, 1GB of non-expandable RAM and a 120GB HDD. Other hardware features include a 10.1-inch LCD with 1280 x 720 resolution, a 1.3-megapixel webcam, an onboard accelerometer and the usual set of ports (USB, audio, SD card). Connectivity is largely what sets the machine apart, offering aGPS, Bluetooth 2.1, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and a 3G modem.
Battery is of particular note here, as Nokia claims an operating life of 12 hours. While that claim is being contended by many, it’s important to note that the device will likely be used as a work computer, instead of a multimedia machine. As such, lasting for that long might actually make sense.
Overall, high expectations came plummeting down the ground as soon as Nokia announced pricing for the Booklet 3G. According to the company, it will be going for €575 ($818) before subsidies and taxes. Even with all the extra connectivity hardware, that’s still a mighty tough sell. Good luck next time.
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