Nokia enters the world of the netbook, or mini-laptop as it prefers to call this high-end device. The inclusion of built-in 3G, a full aluminium body and a 16-hour battery life puts it easily ahead of the pack. Find out whether the Nokia Booklet 3G is the ultimate mini-laptop with our in-depth review…
Like the Samsung N130 or the HP Mini 110c, the Nokia Booklet 3G is fitted with a 10.1-inch LED display. However, one glance at the screen and you know why Nokia is calling this a mini-laptop, as the resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels delivers HD Ready images – something you won’t find on the current crop of netbooks, for example.
Below the screen you’ll find a nicely spaced keyboard. The keys are on the small side but once you grow accustomed to them, you’ll find that typing is solid pleasing.
The one-piece aluminium casing is amazing to the touch, giving the Nokia Booklet 3G a real hint of chic. Furthermore, the base of the notebook sits flush with the table, so if you’re using it on a train table, for example, you won’t find it slipping or moving around.
Designed for life on the move, you’ll find the battery life is simply amazing on the Nokia Booklet 3G. We found that our review unit could last for well over 12 hours running with the screen at a decent brightness and with 3G running for long periods.
Where the Nokia Booklet 3G starts to fall down is in the choice of processor, which is an Intel Atom Z530 (1.6GHz), while the 1024MB of memory is non-upgradeable, so limiting the options of this machine. The 120GB hard drive is also rather pedestrian for this class of machine.
When it comes to connectivity you’ll find Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on-board while on the left-hand side there are two USB ports and HDMI port for hooking the device up to your HD TV. For private music on the train, there is a 3.5mm audio jack.
On the opposite side you’ll find a Power button, charge jack, another USB port and a flip-down hatch. This hatch covers up the slot for your data SIM card, as well as an SD slot for adding more memory or sharing memory card data with your mini-laptop.
Verdict
There is a great deal to like about the Nokia Booklet 3G, the keyboard feels great, the battery life appealing and the screen sharp. However, we’re not convinced the tech spec is going to win over users, even if it does offer 3G connectivity in a 1.3kg package.
Best Features
Great Screen
Good keyboard
Amazing battery life
Not so good
No upgrade options
Budget processor
Limited RAM
Closest rivals
Samsung N110
This fresh update of the award winning NC10 brings with it a better screen and keyboard but still has the same knockout battery life
Dell Inspiron Mini 10
The stylish design, bright screen and good-sized keyboard make this a great all-rounder at an affordable price
Acer AOD150-1B Blue
This may not be the freshest netbook design around but the keyboard is comfortable, the battery life impressive and the specification great value for the price
100% secured payment
How does this fine netbook behave wiht 2Gb of RAM?