Nokia talks up first non-talk handset

Nokia has unveiled a pocket-sized internet client running Linux for wireless internet browsing. The 770 Internet Tablet features a 4.1in colour touch-sensitive wide screen with a 800 x 480 pixel resolution.

Users can enter URLs or write emails using an on-screen keyboard, and the device connects to the internet through Wi-Fi or a mobile phone data connection.

The 770 lacks a cellular radio that would allow it to go online directly or handle voice calls, making it Nokia's first consumer device that does not offer phone capabilities.

Nokia hopes that consumers will use the device to surf the internet and check email around the home and in public places using a Wi-Fi hotspot.

In addition to an email client and web browser the 770 comes with an RSS reader and games, as well as software to play internet radio and select audio files including MP3s.

The device uses a version of Linux based on Debian and the Gnome user interface. Nokia has opened the Maemo platform to developers who wish to create their own applications for the device.

"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 category," said Janne Jormalainen, vice president of convergence products at Nokia.

The company aims to keep developing the platform. The next upgrade is slated for next year and will add functionalities for VoIP and instant messaging, according to Jormalainen.

The 770 Internet Tablet is scheduled to ship in the third quarter of this year at an expected cost of €350 including VAT.