Nokia's Booklet 3G Too Expensive For A Netbook!

Netbooks or mini notebook devices are best known for their low cost; the majority of them are being offered at a sub $500 today. Besides, they are also low in weight. The new Nokia Booklet 3G netbook, featuring mobile broadband, a 12-hour battery, A-GPS support, sleek aluminum chassis and 10-inch glass HD ready display, may also seem like an attractive option. However, its steep $816 (Rs 40,000 approx.) price tag could drive customers away

Nokia last month announced its first netbook (would you still call it a netbook), the Nokia Booklet 3G, that will use Microsoft's Windows operating system. Powered by Intel's Atom processor, the Nokia Booklet 3G weighs 1.25 kilograms, measures slightly more than two centimetres thin, and offers 1GB RAM, 120GB HDD and a broad range of connectivity options -- including 3G/HSPA and Wi-Fi.

Analysts say the Booklet 3G is too high for the general market.

Obviously, consumers have taken to netbooks in a big way, and they may fall in love with the look of the Booklet 3G. But when they see the Nokia's price tag, they'll opt for a more pedestrian Acer, Asus, HP or Samsung netbook, all of which are priced between $350 and $500, says PC World.

It also says, "Naturally, wireless carrier subsidises will whittle down the Booklet's price, but Nokia's netbook will likely still cost more than competing mini-notes. Even if it runs $400 to $500 with a two-year mobile broadband contact, other subsidised portables will go for less than $200. In fact, some carriers like Verizon have begun offering free netbooks to new subscribers."

Nokia may have to make significant changes to the Booklet 3G functionality, or the price, or both, to make a dent in the netbook market.