Nokia's next-gen Linux-based net tablet to incorporate HSDPA

'Maemo 5' to support accelerated 3D too

By Tony Smith • Get more from this author

22nd September 2008 08:56 GMT

Nokia has let slip some of the key features of its next internet tablet, the successor to the N810, reviewed here. Top of the list: integrated HSDPA 3G support.

To date, none of the Nokia's Linux-based tablets - the 770, N800 and N810 - have incorporated cellularl connectivity. Like Apple's iPod Touch, they've been intended to connect to the internet primarily over a Wi-Fi link. The Nokias also have Bluetooth to allow the to link up to a net-connected mobile phone.

Nokia's next tablet, apparently codenamed 'Maemo 5' - Maemo is the tablet's Linux platform - will again support 802.11, though Nokia didn't mention which variety, suggesting it might be an 802.11n device. It also has Bluetooth 2.0+EDR and USB 2.0, just like its predecessor.

Nokia's information, presented at a Maemo-specific event this past weekend, also included reference to Texas Instruments' OMAP 3 processor and support for 3D graphics acceleration through the OpenGL-ES 2.0 API.

TI's OMAP 3515 and 3530 processors integrate PowerVR graphics cores.

Given the table's codename, you won't be surprised to learn that the machine will run the fifth generation of Maemo - to be released as OS2009, presumably.

Nokia released the N810 in November 2007 - is the Finnish phone giant gearing up to the release the successor product a year on from that?

Nokia N810 internet tablet review