Nokia Releases Linux Internet Tablet Device

Nokia has released its first mobile device that isn't a phone, and it is meant for accessing the web anywhere you have a wireless connection. The Nokia 770 Internet Tablet is based on the Linux operating system, and they say that the plan is to publish the source code for the device in hopes that developers will write custom software to increase adoption.

With a price point of only $350, Nokia's 770 is a very attractive option to buying a laptop for around the house simply for e-mail or to connect to the internet. It weighs just half of a pound, is 3/4 of an inch thick, 5.6 inches wide and 3.1 inches deep, with a 4.1 inch touchscreen display. Also included with the device is a player for MP3s and other media, along with a USB port to connect with a Bluetooth transmitter for access to mobile networks.

"Linux is a logical choice for the Nokia 770 Internet Tablet as Linux and the Open Source development platform provide us with fast and efficient solutions to build products for this new, Nokia product category. This is the first step in creating an Open Source product for broadband and Internet services. We will be launching regularly updates of the software. The next software release planned for the first half of next year will support more presence based functionalities such as VoIP and Instant Messaging", said Janne Jormalainen, VP of Convergence Products for Nokia.

Additional applications of the Nokia 770 Internet Tablet with the 2005 software include an Internet Radio, RSS News reader, Image viewer and Media players for selected types of media. The Nokia 770 Internet Tablet is planned to start shipping in the third quarter of 2005 to the US and Europe.