So the N810 WiMAX edition was rumored back in February, after a black styled version was spotted in a Best Buy buyers guide, of all places.

For those who don't remember, the Nokia N810 internet tablet was a bit of a shocker when it was released, thanks to some deviations from the previous line of N-tablets which included a slide-out keyboard and integrated GPS. If you're new to the entire tablet line, it's a series of Linux-based multifunctional devices that can do music, video, games (ok, this could be better), navigation, and whatever else other Smart People can dream up.

The WiMAX edition is more or less the same, except for the "slight bulge on the back for the WiMax antenna." (a bulge that amounts to .08 inches thicker) The addition of WiMAX is just an extra layer of connectivity on top of the WLAN/wi-fi or going through your phone via Bluetooth. You also get Internet Tablet OS 2008 and support for 10GB SD cards (versus the older N810's support for cards up to 8GB) if that floats your boat.

Nokia's partnership with Sprint Nextel over the N810 is a little interesting: as always, Nokia will be selling the tablets on its own. But when the new N810s pick up a WiMAX signal, it'll allow the user to buy access to the network right then and there thanks to the miracle of credit cards. On top of that, Nokia has and is still providing the WiMAX network equipment for Sprint's Xohm brand.

Sprint's WiMAX service is supposed to start rolling out this summer, as is the Nokia N810 WiMAX edition. Prices are expected to be similar to the current N810's $439 price tag.

Tags: n810 wimax, nokia, sprint, tablets

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