The Nokia Booklet 3G is a 10.1-inch mini-laptop that comes with integrated 3G and an aluminium casing that immediately puts it above every other portable computer in this size category we’ve ever seen. What’s more, with Nokia Ovi Suite allowing you to manage to manage all your contacts, email and social networking, this could well be the start of a beautiful relationship. Find out how we got on with our Nokia Booklet 3G review...
It would be easy to dismiss the Nokia Booklet 3G as a netbook due to the size of its screen and use of an Intel Atom processor. However, from the moment you first pick this device up you know this isn’t a netbook. The sheer build quality of this device is amazing. The aluminium chassis helps keep the overall weight down to 1.3kg but gives it a tactile feel that makes it firm and solid to hold. Even the hinge holding the screen in place is reinforced, so you won’t find it gently rocking as you type.
Check out our Nokia Booklet 3G unboxing
The design of the Nokia Booklet 3G is flat and compact, with access to the battery on the base of the unit the only hatch. This kind of limits the device, as you won’t be able to upgrade the memory or hard drive yourself, which with only 1024MB of RAM and a 120GB hard drive to its name, is something we’d like the option to be able to do.
However, the Nokia Booklet 3G makes up for this by having everything you’ll need to hand. On the left-hand side you’ll find two USB ports, an HDMI port for hooking this mini-laptop up to your HD TV and a 3.5mm audio jack.
On the right-hand side you’ll find the Power button, power jack, a further USB port, so you can easily add an external mouse if needs be, and a hatch. This hatch covers up the slot for the embedded 3G module, so you don’t need to fiddling under the battery hatch, as well as an SD slot for adding more memory or simply for sharing digital content with your Nokia Booklet 3G.
Open the lid and you’ll find further evidence that this is a mini-laptop as the 10.1-inch screen as a HD Ready resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels – something you won’t find on a netbook. This size of panel is currently the most popular in the ultra-slim market as it offers a great compromise between portability and functionality.
The screen resolution of the Nokia Booklet 3G means you can view a full webpage with ease – something the average netbook can’t. What’s more, movies and photos look great on the LED panel.
Check out the full tech spec of the Nokia Booklet 3G
We have to admit that we were initially disappointed with the size of the keyboard, as the keys look a little small. However, being individually mounted and with plenty of space around them, you’ll find you quickly get accustomed to the size. What’s more, the corners are slightly raised so even when typing on the train, you shouldn’t slip off the keys.
Furthermore, when you’re out and about you’ll find the design works in your favour. For example, the base of the Booklet 3G is completely flat, all but for four rubber feet. So, place it down on a train table and it sits flat. What’s more, it can’t rock as it’s a solid base, making this a great device to use on the daily commute.
The trackpad is widescreen in format, to mirror that of the screen, so navigating the screen is easy. The mouse buttons are of a great size, and very much in keeping with those found on larger laptops. They have a slight amount of travel to them but has a reassuring click when you press down. Overall, we were impressed with how easy it is to start using and making the most of the Nokia Booklet 3G.
We’re seriously impressed with the build quality and design of the Nokia Booklet 3G, as it offers a solid build, a smooth typing action and a sharp screen.
Next Time: We’ll look at performance, battery life and making the most of your Nokia Booklet 3G.
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