Analyst: Nokia to launch Apple iPad rival

 

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By Hani Megerisi & Reuters

Posted on 6 Apr 2010 at 18:00

Nokia is working on its own tablet computer, scheduled for release later this year, according to a tech industry analyst.

In addition to Nokia, Ashok Kumar, an analyst with Rodman and Renshaw, claimed PC and handset vendors such as Samsung are set to follow Apple's move into a new category of devices between PCs and smartphones.

"Right now, the supply chain [for a Nokia tablet] is being primed up for a fall release. It has to be on the shelf by September-October to meet demand for the holiday window," he said. Nokia declined to comment on the rumours.

Kumar added the device would likely use Microsoft's Windows software, but several other analysts said it could use the new MeeGo operating system, the software venture of Nokia and Intel. "MeeGo is probably aimed mostly at the tablet market. I don't think Nokia or Samsung can afford to stay out of the tablet market," said Tero Kuittinen, an analyst at MKM Partners.

Jumping on the tablet-wagon

Apple sold more than 300,000 iPads on the tablet’s first day in stores, which roughly matched Wall Street forecasts and mirrored the iPhone's debut in 2007. Analysts said many more companies were due to launch their own tablets shortly.

"The market will play host to a flood of 'me too' tablets in 2010 but it's an immature product category with an unproven use case," said Geoff Blaber of mobile and wireless analysts CCS Insight. "Apple's brand and service offering means the iPad will be an exception in a category that will struggle to gain consumer acceptance."

HP followed the iPad release with a video showing more of its Slate’s features, which included USB and SD compatibility, and both front- and rear-mounted cameras for video, pictures and conferencing. See the video below.