Nokia offers more Booklet 3G details and pricing info

I mentioned back at the beginning of the month that the Nokia Booklet 3G had turned up in the Best Buy inventory with a price tag of $599.99 attached. Nokia has now officially confirmed that price tag for machines that are purchased without an accompanying data plan. It also appears that the netbook will be operate on the AT&T network and is a Best Buy exclusive as previously reported.MobileBurn reports that when purchased with a 2-year $60 monthly data plan contract the Nokia Booklet 3G will go for a more reasonable $299. There has also been indication from Nokia that there will be other pricing plans offered for the device in time for the holidays.

However, the other options will make for a more expensive price for the Booklet 3G than the $299. Other specs of the machine are that it will run Windows 7 and offer 12 hours of real world run time per battery charge. The netbook has a 10.1-inch screen and weighs 2.76 pounds. The device will hit Best Buy on October 22 with deliveries said to begin in mid-November.

Press Release:

All-day mobility comes to the U.S. with Nokia Booklet 3G for AT&T

October 13, 2009

Sleek, strong Windows 7-based mini-laptop hits Best Buy stores for 299.99 USD in time for the holidays

New York, NY, USA – Drawing upon its rich heritage and leadership in the mobile industry, Nokia is opening a new chapter in mobility with the introduction of the Nokia Booklet 3G to the U.S. together with AT&T, Best Buy and Microsoft. Developed for connectivity just about anytime and virtually anywhere, the Nokia Booklet 3G is refining what consumers can expect at the crossroads of mobility and the personal computer.

"Nokia understands mobility like no other company and recognizes that the most 'powerful' device is the one that doesn't have you running for the power plug or network point," said Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, president and CEO of Nokia. "By combining the Booklet's sleek design, impressive features and competitive price together with the new Windows 7 operating system from Microsoft, AT&T's nationwide 3G coverage and Best Buy's unmatched national retail footprint, we believe we have a winning combination for U.S. consumers."

"Our alliance with Nokia is advancing on multiple fronts and the Nokia Booklet 3G is an important step," said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. "We are excited with Nokia's decision to launch its first PC with Windows 7. By combining the value and simplicity of the operating system with the all-day mobility of the Nokia Booklet 3G, we are bringing new and valuable experiences to consumers and businesses."

The Nokia Booklet 3G will be sold at all Best Buy locations nationwide as well as at the more than 50 Best Buy Mobile standalone stores across the country. The Nokia Booklet 3G will be offered at an introductory price of 299.99 USD with an AT&T Data Connect plan two-year activation. The Nokia Booklet 3G should arrive in stores by mid-November, and Best Buy expects to begin taking orders online and in stores on October 22 for consumers who want to be among the first in the world to own the Nokia Booklet 3G.

"The Nokia Booklet 3G is a really sharp, exciting device and we look forward to powering it with the nation's fastest 3G network," said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "Consumers and small business customers can't get enough mobile broadband. Nokia's mobile device leadership, together with AT&T's mobile broadband network leadership, Best Buy's retail reach and Windows 7, is a very strong line-up to drive this fast-growing market."

"Our customers are looking for ways to stay connected no matter where they are and we're finding that netbooks and laptops are important companion devices next to the smartphone. The addition of the Nokia Booklet 3G to our stores will only serve to amplify consumer interest in this emerging mobile technology," said Brian J. Dunn, CEO of Best Buy. "As the exclusive retailer through the holidays, Best Buy is uniquely positioned to offer this great product to consumers and ensure they have the knowledge, supporting products and services to use it the minute they leave our stores."

Best Buy associates will offer Walk Out Working on the Nokia Booklet 3G, as they do for all smartphones. The free service will help customers activate the device, walk through the Windows 7 operating system and make sure customers understand all of the extras including Ovi Suite, the Ovi Maps gadget, and features like Bluetooth connectivity.

Sporting a premium design and running Windows 7, the Intel Atom-powered Nokia Booklet 3G will deliver up to 12 hours of battery life, enabling people to leave their power cable behind and still be connected and productive. Delivering the rich feature set of a full-function PC inside an ultra-portable aluminum chassis, the new mini-laptop weighs less than 2.76 pounds, measures slightly more than two centimeters thin, and has the features one would expect from the world's leading mobile device manufacturer. Embedded 3G/ HSPA – as well as Wi-Fi – high speed connectivity to the Internet, including Nokia's broad suite of Ovi services, helps ensure consumers can make the most of every moment and every opportunity.

The mini-laptop also comes with an HDMI port for HD video out, a front facing camera for video calling, integrated Bluetooth and an easily accessible SD card reader. Other premium features include the glass 10.1 inch HD-ready display, integrated A-GPS with Ovi Maps, and the latest version of Ovi Suite for effortless synching with a Nokia mobile device.

About Nokia

Nokia is a pioneer in mobile telecommunications and the world's leading maker of mobile devices. Today, we are connecting people in new and different ways – fusing advanced mobile technology with personalized services to enable people to stay close to what matters to them. We also provide comprehensive digital map information through NAVTEQ; and equipment, solutions and services for communications networks through Nokia Siemens Networks.