14 DAY TRIAL // Finnish mobile phone maker Nokia does not seem to be that fond of tablet PCs, even if almost the entire industry announced plans to make big steps into that area. Moreover, it seems that the company actually considers handsets as being able to offer all of the functionality that one might want in a slate. Except for the larger display, one would say. But Ilari Nurmi, Vice President of Nokia Eseries, would beg to differ. The smaller screens of mobile phones are the main reason for which they would prove better solutions than tablets, Electricpig notes in a recent article.
Having smaller screens makes handsets more pocketable than tablet PCs are. This means that one would be able to easily carry a smartphone in a pocket, while having to use a bag to carry the tablet PC.
“With the capabilities that we have, you are able to survive a day without a laptop. Obviously, the large display and big keyboard are some of the elements you need for effective usage and nowadays. We’re coming close [to leaving the laptop at home],” Ilari Nurmi states.
However, while he agrees that business users, and not only them, still need laptops in their trips, Ilari also notes that tablet PCs are not the answer we might be looking for.
“We definitely understand that there is plenty of press coverage and noise about tablets. Everybody seems to be creating tablets. But currently, we’re studying that market and today for a business professional I would recommend a Nokia E7,” he continues.
The reason seems to be the fact that the mobile phone comes with a big-enough keyboard, with a large screen when compared to other devices, and with a pocketable size that can be easily carried around.
“For business users as a complimentary product to the PC, which you do still need, E7 is the perfect product,” he stated.
At the moment, we should not expect for Nokia to launch a tablet PC, especially since there is still low adoption of slates among business users.
On the other hand, with most of the major players in the mobile industry moving towards tablet PCs, including RIM, Apple, Samsung, LG and others, Nokia does not afford to remain too far behind.
It is already losing market share to rivals in most areas, and the lack of a viable solution in this segment would not be a good move for Nokia, that's for sure.