N810 designed for next-gen mobile high-speed service

Nokia has been showing off a WiMax-enabled internet tablet at the CTIA conference in Las Vegas.

The N810 is slightly larger than a conventional smartphone, but with its 4.13in touch screen is a fraction of the size of a laptop. Nokia promises download speeds of 2Mbps to 4Mbps.

The mini tablet will be one of the first devices designed for the new WiMax high-speed wireless network from Sprint Nextel Corp, due for a US commercial launch in April.

WiMax offers potential blanket coverage across US cities with mobile internet speeds far in excess of current speeds. According to Nokia, users will enjoy download rates of 2Mbps to 4Mbps, with bursts of up to 10Mbps.

The mini tablet will also work over Wi-Fi networks, allowing users to access the internet in the usual hotspots at airports and coffee shops.

"The difference with WiMax is that you can move out of that hotspot," said Mark Louison, head of Nokia's North American business.

The N810 will be initially go on sale in the US with pricing expected to be around $439.