Rant: Nokia's netbook dissapoints

Nokia netbook dissapoints

I had few days to think it through about Nokia’s recently unveiled netbook and unfortunately I’m sad to report I’m disappointed. Here are few thoughts I had about it.

In bed with WinTel

Basically what Nokia has unveiled is yet another notebook. Sure, there’s the built-in GPS receiver and a great battery, but I’m sure other computer makers will follow the suit pretty quickly. After all MSIs, Acers, Dells and HPs of the world have more experience in notebook/netbook computers than the Finnish giant.

The way I see it is that the Nokia Booklet 3G is yet another WinTel netbook. If it’s affordable, that would be something, but judging from the press release, Nokia hopes to get a premium for that aluminum frame and exceptional battery life — we’ve heard rumors Nokia will ask $799 for its computer, which is way out of line. Sony has its premium offering in Vaio P series that is really different from the rest of the pack, and which Sony refuses to call a netbook. Netbooks sell like crazy because they are cheap, and to make something that’s effectively a premium cheap laptop doesn’t sound like a winning strategy. It sounds like nonsense.

Why not Linux?

That brings me to my second point. Nokia has its own flavor of Linux – Maemo, which is based on Debian, just like Ubuntu. In that sense, they could’ve unveiled a Linux-powered netbook that would certainly be faster than any similar Windows based product. You may argue Maemo is created for ARM-based CPUs to which I say – fine, make a Snapdragon-powered computer. It runs on 1 GHz, after all, but then again – this would go against Nokia’s alliance with Intel.

I love netbooks, but I doubt I’ll buy the Nokia Booklet 3G

I’m writing this on my Dell Mini 9, which runs Ubuntu and works great! I thought Nokia had a chance (and still does, BTW) to bring Linux to the masses. Just imagine a Sony Vaio P kind of device which is more affordable and because it runs Linux – faster. Moreover, it could sport a touchscreen! Now, that would be something I would instantly buy, even without a touchscreen. This way, when I already have a netbook, I don’t see a reason to get one made by Nokia, especially if it’s going to be more expensive.

Anyway, the main point I wanted to make is that I don’t see the unique selling proposition of the Nokia Booklet 3G. GPS and great battery life are not something I’m willing to pay a premium for, and I doubt many users are — except hard core Nokia fanboys. I want my next ultra-portable computer to be lighter than my existing one (Mini 9 weighs 1kg with 4-cell battery), smaller and that it doesn’t cost a fortune. If there were not for the last reason, I would’ve bought the Sony Vaio P long time ago.

About The Author

Dusan Belic

Dusan has been using smartphones since their introduction and is now following the latest trends in the industry. The "convergence" is what he's most excited about, and writing about it is the next logical thing to do. He thinks that using a smartphone is what everyone who cares about their time should do. In addition to his interests in mobile phones, Dusan also loves to experiment with the latest web and mobile 2.0 services. The idea of accessing and managing your information from any device no matter where you are simply amazes him. Whether it's an online to-do list, note taking service or a video sharing social network, he's there to try it out. He admits though, he's still searching for the ultimate web-based organizational tool, which "sings" perfectly with the mobile PIM application. Dusan used to run SymbianWatch.com which later became part of IntoMobile. He lives in Serbia, South-East Europe, from where he edits the site on a daily basis.

matt

I agree with what you said for the most part but because the goal is to make this mass market, they chose a mass market OS. in an ideal world you should be able to choose what to boot to. But beggars can’t be choosers
Steven Hoober

I decided this immediately.

Aside from your points, I want… not a netbook. Why should I want a Nokia /netbook/?

I want: Three N900s.
- 3.5″
- 6ish”
- 9 or 10″

Touch. Sliders to keyboards (of increasing use). Maybe go N97ish slide-and-flip up for the larger ones so it works on a desk/lap if needed.

I keep waiting for something truly middling, instead of larger phones and smaller laptops. I had hoped Nokia could do this for us. But I still might get an N900.
Eruaran

Call it the Failbook.

Seriously Nokia, we thought you could do better than this.
Gabriel

I’m with you, I have just reviewed the spec. Z530 processor, 120G HD , no need to paid $800 for a 3G netbook..! For me, it’s look like an enlarge N90 cellphone. I don’t think this product will be impacted the netbook market, becasue it is no cheap…! Look at Sony Vaio P is a good example, and Sony now launches a cheaper new netbook around $599, but it’s still reached the laptop price…! Hopefully, Nokia get a lesson from Sony and cut down their price and good luck…:-))
Nick

I bet it comes with a spell checker though