Windows-haters rejoice! From Nokia comes the 770, a Linux-driven, Bluetooth-enabled internet tablet that can connect to the Net via a WLAN of the 802.11b or g variety. The 770 is quite larger than the largest smartphone in the market right now, with a 4.3-inch, 800 x 480 pixel touch-screen. Since it's totally Linux-driven, all the applications it's packed with are independent of the Windows stranglehold on PC technology. Applications include IM and VoIP capabilities.

The Nokia 770 also doubles as a music player. It has an onboard filing system that lets you sift through your song collection, as well as some buttons on its side that lets you do the same. It also has internet radio, and supports nearly all audio and video formats. Storage capacity is at 1GB, with an extended virtual memory card.

The Nokia 770 Internet Tablet also comes with peripherals galore, including headphones and two stylus pens. Buyers will have to remember to keep the tablet's mobile charger close at all times, though, since the battery has a browsing life of just three hours.

With the success of its Linux-based 770 Internet Tablet, Nokia is looking into the possibility of adding new features to the next generation of Nokia tablet devices.

Veering away from the cellular route gives Nokia more freedon. Ari Virtanen, vice president of convergence products at Nokia, said, The biggest thing is that we don't want to be part of the cellular value chain. We want to be a little bit out of that world. Once you put a SIM card in, it's automatically controlled by the operator.

Nokia is looking to provide extra functionality to its devices, which why a webcam might just make its way to the next minitablet. It gives a mobile dimension to the fixed Internet. It's for that very same reason that Google Talk instant-messaging and Internet telephony support have been included in the latest software upgrade. New interface methods might just be added as well. The Nokia 770 Internet Tablet currently makes use of a touch screen and stylus for text input. Some who are just not into that can opt for the expanded virtual keyboard.

Nokia isn't ruling out WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), though they are not committed to it. Virtanen said, If WiMax takes off like wireless LAN has, then why not?