HELSINKI -- Months after watching Apple steal its thunder in the 3G market, Nokia is readying to return the favor.

Nokia CEO Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo said the world's largest cellphone maker plans to enter the laptop market to capitalize on trends toward cellphone and PC convergence.

According to a report last week by Citigroup, Nokia's first computer will launch in the first half of 2010. The PC, either a netbook or a PC tablet, will probably feature an Intel Atom microprocessor and Linux operating system, Citigroup said. The analyst believes Nokia will outsource production to Compal Electronics or Hon Hai (Foxconn).

Netbooks -- low-cost, stripped-down PCs with minimal software and processing power -- are the fastest-growing segment of the PC market, according to several research firms.

GLENVIEW, IL -- Illinois Tool Works today reported revenues at its Power Systems and Electronics group fell 39.4% year-over-year in the July period.

TORONTO – EMS provider Adeptron Technologies Corp. today reported second-quarter revenues rose 21% year-over-year to $12.4 million.
 
The firm posted a net loss of $1.65 million, compared to a net loss of $939,000 for the same quarter last year. 

TAIPEI -- Hon Hai (Foxconn) and IBM reportedly are set to sign a pact to codevelop environment-friendly products.