Nokia Tube coming next week?

Two sources have claimed that Nokia (NYSE: NOK)’s next XpressMedia device, the 5800 Tube, will be announced next week on October 2nd. at a London media event. This would jibe well with previous rumours, and give it some fine placement for the Christmas rush. As Nokia’s first touchscreen device and with a focus on media, the Tube will be their stab against the iPhone and other touchscreen competitors, but by dropping the price point they hope to undercut them and tap into emerging markets. A smart move, especially when the likes of the upcoming high-end HTC Touch HD will be aiming for the upper-crust. Bottom line: if the new S60 Touch operating system is up to scratch and the price is right, the 5800 will do alright for itself despite the crowding market.

Rumoured Nokia 5800 Tube specifications include:

• 640 x 350, 3.2-inch touchscreen display with 16 Million colors
• 3.2 megapixel camera with autofocus
• Quad-band (850/900/1800/1900Mhz) GSM/EDGE radio
  • 3G UMTS/HSDPA
• Bluetooth 2.0
• WiFi
• GPS
• 3.5mm headphone jack
• TV-out port
• 140MB on-board storage
• 111 x 52 x 14.5 mm
• 104g
• End of 2008 launch

[via Reuters]