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Nokia has so far only delivered a few Windows Phone 7-based devices since it inked a partnership with Microsoft. However, the Finnish company is now considering launching a tablet later this year that would be running Windows 8, according to a new report. Nokia has, of course, failed to confirm that report and Microsoft has stayed tight-lipped on the possibility, as well, but considering how close the two companies are, it wouldnt be a stretch to see a Nokia tablet launching later this year or in early 2013.
If and when that happens, the tech world will have a lot of opinions on what users want to see in Nokias device. Although most tablets are about the same, featuring the standard, big display and touch-screen, its worth noting that Windows 8 devices could change all that. According to Microsoft, Windows 8 tablets will be far more capable than their iOS- or Android-based alternatives. And as such, one might expect more from the devices themselves.
However, its never too early to start compiling a wish list for the new Windows 8-based Nokia tablet.
1. A big display
Although Amazon and Barnes & Noble believe that small displays are just fine in todays marketplace, the reality is, theyre not. In order for a device running a full desktop operating system to be successful, itll need at least a 10.1-inch screen. Smaller displays will make it too difficult to use the software.
2. A commitment to design
If Apple has taught us anything, its that product design matters. So for Nokias device to be successful, itll have to launch with a unique design concept that actually impresses us. That doesnt mean the device has to come with a better design than Apples iPad, but it does mean it must deliver something unique that makes people stop and look.
3. Quad-core all around
Apple made the odd decision to bundle its new iPad with the A5X processor. With that chip, the new iPad delivers dual-core processing, but quad-core graphics. To stand out from the crowd, it would be nice to see Nokias Windows 8-based tablet come with both quad-core processing and quad-core graphics.
4. 4G LTE
Apple made the smart decision with its new iPad to support 4G Long-Term Evolution (LTE) technology. Going forward, 4G LTE is going to be the wireless service just about every customer wants. To not have it available in a Nokia tablet would be a huge mistake on the companys part. WiFi and 3G are great, but 4G LTE is the future. Nokia must remember that.
Nokia Must Be Able to Appeal to Consumers With a Decidedly Non-Nokia Feel
5. A U.S. rollout first and foremost
Unfortunately, Nokia has been slow to bring its latest devices to the United States. The company has instead decided to deliver its smartphones in Europe and parts of Asia before targeting the key U.S. market. With its Windows 8 tablet, Nokia will need to unleash a full assault on North America, and allow the others to suffer. As history has shown, a U.S. rollout in the tablet space is a fine first step.
6. Competitive pricing
Apple has given Nokia the opening it needs to build a tablet people will like. The iPhone makers new tablet comes in at a starting price of $499. For those who want 4G LTE, theyll need to pay $629 and up. If Nokia can offer a Windows 8-based device with strong features and a slightly cheaper price, it might make at least some people think twice about the iPad.
7. A decidedly non-Nokia feel
Take a look at the recent devices Nokia has sold, including both its Symbian handsets and Windows Phone 7 phones. Notice anything special? No? Neither have todays consumers. Nokia has lost its ability to appeal to todays consumer, and unless it can change its tack and find a way to appeal to customers with a decidedly non-Nokia feel, it wont win the tablet market.
8. A desire to appeal to all customers
Although Nokia has tried in the past to appeal to enterprise users, for the most part, it has focused on consumers. With its Windows 8-based tablet, it has the opportunity to coax both types of customers to its product. Windows 8 is an operating system the enterprise and consumers will use. If Nokia remembers that, itll be successful.
9. Ample storage
Apple is only offering 64GB of storage in its new iPad, despite the company claiming that the device will replace todays PCs. However, todays PCs have far more storage than 64GB. If Nokia wants to be successful, itll have to remember that and deliver ample storage. At least 128GB should do.
10. New branding
The very last thing Nokia should do with its Windows 8 tablet is use the Lumia branding its employed with its Windows Phone 7 devices. So far, Lumia handsets have not taken off the way Nokia would have liked. To allow customers to draw comparisons between those somewhat disappointing handsets and its new tablet would be a mistake. Come up with a new name for the tablets, Nokia. Its the smart move.