Nokia also working on ARM-based smartbook

Nokia's move into the netbook market was confirmed earlier this week by the announcement of the Booklet 3G, this device features an Intel Atom processor and uses the Windows 7 operating system. Pricing hasn't been officially unveiled, but the word on the street is that the Booklet 3G will carry a rather high price tag of $799.

A cheaper alternative may arrive by mid-2010 in the form of an ARM-based smartbook. DigiTimes claims Nokia is working on such a system and is likely to outsource production to either Compal or Foxconn.

For the initial smartbook orders, Nokia is likely to outsource the production to either Compal Electronics or Foxconn Electronics (Hon Hai Precision Industry), the sources speculated, noting that Nokia's first smartbook is not expected to hit the market until mid-2010.

The Nokia Booklet 3G, which will run on Microsoft Windows 7 and supports 3G/HSDPA, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and A-GPS, will be produced by Compal, and is expected to hit the market in early 2010, the sources noted.