Nokia entering the Netbook market – with Windows (as per announcement)

Nokia announced the launch of their Netbook – with 3G features- which further shows the convergence of the 2 technologies- Laptops moving downwards in the technology curve (the Netbooks were the first step in that direction) – and the Mobile phone moving up (Smartphones et al).

This could be the exciting first generation laptops with advanced 3G features coming from a company that makes phones (unlike Netbooks coming from companies that make computers). 

Here is a great video of the same! Have a look- I like the super cool finish & the typical Nokia touch for the ad.

The Booklet 3G should run for up to 12 hours on one battery charge, Nokia said. It weighs 1.25 kilograms, has an aluminum chassis and is slightly more than 2 centimeters think.

The device also has a 10-inch screen, and can connect to bigger displays using an HDMI port, according to Nokia. Like most other netbooks on the market, it contains an Intel Atom processor and will run Windows -- although Nokia isn't yet ready to say which version of the OS. <http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/170655/nokia_enters_the_netbook_market_with_the_booklet_3g.html>

More on this - "We are fully aware what has the margin level been in the PC world. We have gone into this with our eyes wide open," Kai Oistamo, the head of Nokia's phone unit, told Reuters.

"There's really an opportunity to bring fresh perspective to the PC world," he said, adding that Nokia would introduce extended battery life and continuous connectivity. 

The Nokia Booklet 3G, will use Microsoft's Windows software and Intel's Atom processor to offer up to 12 hours of battery life while weighing 1.25 kilograms.

Why? Research firm IDC expects netbook shipments this year to grow more than 127 percent from 2008 to over 26 million units, outperforming the overall PC market that is expected to remain flat and a phone market which is shrinking some 10 percent.

Will it do well? I believe so.

With the Brand Name, the marketing muscle, the distribution channel in place, it could be the best combination possible. However, the price will play a critical part.. and that in the end could make all the difference.