Nokia Unveils 'Multimedia Computers'

Nokia, best known for its cell phones--is showing gadgets here on the eve of CES 2007 that do more than just make calls. The company this evening is taking the wraps off the Nokia N93i and the N76, two cell phones that it is billing as "multimedia computers".

N93i

The N93i is a follow-up to the sleek Nokia N93, and features a similar twisting design. The new handset features a camcorder that is designed to offer "DVD-like quality video capture" and direct video uploads from the phone to blogs or online video posting sites. The camcorder can capture MPEG-4 VGA video at 30 frames per second. It also includes a 3.2-megapixel still camera. The N93i includes a miniSD card slot; the Nokia N93i sales pack (price has not yet been revealed) will include a 1GB card that will hold up to 45 minutes of video or 1250 photos. Here's what it looks like:

The N93i includes basic on-board editing capabilities; for more advanced editing, the sales pack includes a copy of Adobe's Premiere Elements 3.0. The phone includes a video-out capable for showing your videos on a TV. It also is integrated with Nokia's new Vox personal video and photo blogging service, which allows you to share your images and videos with friends and family.

The N93i supports 900/1800/1900 MHz GSM networks for calling, and includes support for 802.11b/g, WCDMA, and EDGE networks for data access. It is scheduled to be available in the first quarter of 2007. A carrier and pricing for the phone has not been revealed.

N76

Like the N93i, the new N76 is designed to offer plenty of multimedia capabilities. The slim clamshell-style phone includes dedicated music controls on the outside of the handset. It supports Windows Media DRM-enabled tracks. It also features a 2.0-megapixel camera, with basic editing tools included on the handset. The handset includes a microSD slot for additional storage.

The N76 is a dual-mode CDMA/GSM phone; it also supports the EDGE network for data access. It runs the Symbian operating system and includes a Nokia Web browser for Internet access.

N800

Also here at CES, Nokia is unveiling a device that is not a cell phone at all: the company is introducing the Nokia N800 Internet Tablet. The N800 is an upgrade of the company's earlier Nokia 7700 Internet Tablet, is designed to offer anytime, anywhere Internet access.

Like the 7700, the N800 is a Linux-based device with a touch-screen display. It includes built-in 802.11 b/e/g wireless networking, as well as support for Bluetooth. It also can be connected to your PC via USB 2.0 for transferring content. It features the Opera 8 browser for surfing the Web and applications for sending and receiving e-mail, chatting with friends via instant messaging, a Web camera, and support for Internet calling applications. Nokia also says the device will support the Rhapsody Unlimited music service.

The N800 will be available immediately for $399.

For more up-to-the-minute blogs, stories, photos, and video from the nation's largest consumer electronics show, visit PC World's CES 2007 Live Coverage Infocenter.

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