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Aug. 25, 2009

Nokia announces that it is entering the mini-laptop market with a fully functional computer just two weeks after announcing a strategic partnership with Microsoft.

The handset maker's new mini laptop is called the Nokia Booklet 3G and weighs in at just 1.25 kilograms.

Also, it is slightly over two centimeters thin. The Windows-based laptop will feature a ten-inch glass HD ready display, front-facing camera for video conferencing and compatibility with both 3G HSPA and Wi-Fi Internet connectivity.

Specifications, market availability and overall pricing will be announced at Nokia World on September 2nd.

Other features include integrated GPS functionality and the use of the Ovi Suite to sync the laptop to a subscriber’s Nokia smartphone with cloud computing.

Nokia's entrance into the mini-laptop segment of the market comes at a critical time for the company. This is also a new orientation for Nokia, which has historically been making mobile handsets since the first day it went into business.

Additionally, Nokia’s decision to start making computers is widely viewed as part of its overall strategy to diversify its product portfolio. The tiny but fully-functional laptop capitalizes on the trend of highly-integrated mobile devices and will likely compete with existing netbook models, independently of whether they run on Windows or Linux.

Kai Oistamo, Nokia's executive v.p. for mobile devices said "overall, a growing number of people want the full computing power of a PC but with the real benefits of true mobility. We are in the business of connecting people with cell phones and the Nokia Booklet 3G sure is a natural direction for us.”

Nokia’s global handset market share dropped to about 37.9 percent in its second quarter compared to a little over 40 percent in 2008.

Additionally, the average selling price of its mobile handsets has been on a downward course for the past 6 quarters, in line with the prices offered by rivals such as Samsung and Motorola.

Last quarter, its average selling price hit 62 Euros (US $88), compared to 2008’s figure of 74 Euros (US $106).

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    This article was featured on Business 5.0 and on Tech Blog.

Source: Nokia.