Nokia has scrapped its WiMAX Internet tablet device, just months after it became available in the United States for Sprint's Xohm network, and just as Sprint partner Clearwire ramps up its WiMAX expansion.
A Nokia spokeswoman confirmed that the WiMAX version of the company's N810 Internet Tablet, a portable computer with a 4.1-inch touchscreen and slide-out QWERTY keyboard, has been discontinued, according to the Associated Press.
That version, unveiled early in 2008, incorporated a WiMAX modem, and was intended for deployment with Sprint's first Xohm site, Baltimore. That network showed impressive throughput, on both uplinks and downlinks.
Nokia will continue to sell other models of the N810, for $438.
Last December, Sprint completed the spin-off of its WiMAX division to Clearwire. The resulting joint effort is continuing a multibillion expansion of WiMAX in key U.S. markets.
Both companies had been working with device manufacturers to provide subscribers with a range of WiMAX radio products to access the wireless broadband network, including indoor wireless routers and plug-in USB modems, as well as products such as the N810 with WiMAX built-in.
