Nokia Corp. announced it will introduce the Nokia 9000 Communicator into the U.S., Canadian and Latin American markets in the second half of 1997.
The product began shipping in Europe on Aug. 15.
The 9000 combines digital voice and data services with personal organizer functions.
It operates on Global System for Mobile communications networks.
GSM was chosen by several emerging personal communications services networks in the United States but coverage footprints will not be established for several months.
“Digital cellular technology and the quality of networks have matured to a stage where Nokia sees a tremendous opportunity to take a giant leap toward the wireless pocketable office for mobile subscribers in the America’s,” said Kari-Pekka Wilska, president of Nokia’s U.S. operations.
The 9000 uses the GEOS operating system from Alameda, Calif.-based Geoworks. Intel Corp. supplied the 24 MHz, 386 processor and flash memory used in the product.
The Communicator’s clamshell design attempts to combine the functionality of a digital cellular phone and notebook computer.
Applications include wireless voice, fax, notepad, address book, calendar, messaging and Internet access, the company said.
It also can be connected to a personal computer or printer using an infrared port.
Nokia said the device provides 120 minutes of talk time or 30 hours of standby.
The product will reportedly retail for around $2,000.
