By Evan Koblentz
Monday, December 1, 2008
Nokia may enter the laptop computer market in 2009, UBS analyst Maynard Um wrote in a report today.
“…We believe the likelihood of this occurring has increased, although commercial availability is unlikely for 6-9 months. Given the rise of net-books/dongles sales, convergence between high-end mobile phones and laptops, and forays by computer manufacturers (Apple, HP) into smartphones, we think it is only a matter of time before Nokia launches notebook type devices,” Um wrote.
A spokesperson for Nokia declined to comment this morning.
However, the company has a good reputation for pushing its design envelope, such as its introduction of the first horizontal-keyboard design with the 9000 Communicator in 1996 and entrance into the Internet appliance market with the 770 Internet Tablet in 2005. Independent designer Rodrigo Mercado suggested a rolling screen earlier this year. Nokia is also a supporter of near-field communications and of mobile WiMAX services.
It’s likely that a Nokia laptop or a smaller netbook could include the Linux operating system, a double-sided screen and high-definition video output, Um said.
The device’s price is difficult to estimate because Nokia’s high-end products are often more expensive than its competitors’.