Nokia Authors Linux-Based Internet Tablet

Technology News writes about the launch of the Linux-based Nokia 770 Internet Web Tablet that enables Internet browsing and e-mail communications over WiFi.

JupiterResearch analyst Michael Gartenberg said, "We are looking at a different world now. There are more people using e-mail and they want to be able to check things online, whether they are looking up a phone number or a place to eat. It's not like the past."

According to the article, "Nokia said Maemo.org provides open-source developers and innovation houses with the tools and opportunities to collaborate with the company on future devices and open-source releases in the Internet Tablet category."

Gartenberg said, "It will be interesting to see, both in the U.S. and in Europe, how this type of device translates to consumers. Are consumers looking for this type of small tablet-based Internet experience while they might be watching TV and wanting to check their e-mail or browse the Web?"

I'm on the fence on this one. I want a smaller device that allows me to surf and check email around the house like Gartenberg states. However I can get this in one of the newer converged smartphone devices that combine wi-fi with high-speed 3G data networks. I can live without the larger screen real estate and the other 770 features. Now if someone wants to give me one then that's a totally different story...