Nokia adding WiMax support to N-series Internet tablet

Nokia plans to add WiMax connectivity to its N-series Internet tablet next year, the company said Wednesday.

WiMax is a wide-area networking technology that offers faster download speeds than 3G (third-generation) mobile networks and has a wider range than Wi-Fi. Adding WiMax support to the Internet tablets will allow users to surf the Web or make calls using Skype away from Wi-Fi hotspots.

Nokia's current Internet tablet, the N800, has a wide screen display with a resolution of 800 pixels by 480 pixels. The device comes with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.0. The N800 does include support for cellular networks, although Bluetooth can be used to connect with a cellular phone.

Nokia's Internet tablets, which run a version of the Linux operating system, will use Intel's Broad Peak WiMax chip set, the same chip that will be used inside upcoming Centrino laptops that support WiMax.

Due during the second half of 2008, Centrino laptops with WiMax support will be available from Asustek Computer, Acer, Lenovo Group, Toshiba, and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., which sells laptops under the Panasonic brand.

Nokia said Internet tablets with WiMax will be available in the U.S. and can be used with Sprint Nextel's WiMax network. Information on Nokia's plans to sell WiMax devices outside the U.S. was not immediately available.