Nokia updates internet tablet

Nokia has announced the N800, an internet communicator device, at the Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas.

The N800 is the successor to the N770, a device that caused significant media interest when it was launched, as it had no conventional mobile phone functionality. Instead, it was an 'internet communicator' device, allowing users to surf the web while on the move.

The N800 works on similar principles, but Nokia said there have been some significant improvements made to the device. There is a full screen qwerty keyboard and an integrated webcam, as well as a new design.

The N800 also works with Skype's popular VoIP application, so users will be able to make free calls to other Skype users when they are within range of a Wi-Fi hotspot.

"As the internet becomes an ever more integral part of daily life, Nokia N800 has been designed to offer quick and convenient access to your favorite internet services regardless of location," said Ari Virtanen of Nokia.

"The Nokia N800 takes our offering to the next level combining speed, performance and mobility into a stylish, compact design," Continued Virtanen.

Industry watchers have expressed optimism about the prospects for the new internet communicator.

"The 770 was, quietly, one of the most important products Nokia has launched in recent times, breaking a lot of new ground. The N800 brings the product form into the N-Series fold and early feedback suggests that it is much faster, more responsive and overall better designed than its older sibling," said Martin Garner, director at analyst company Ovum.

"One of the issues for the 770 was that it supported a large number of use cases but none of them were fully compelling. For the N800, Nokia is highlighting GPS navigation, Skype internet telephony, and streamed multimedia as the main use cases," he continued.

http://www.nokia.com/

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