Some of us know the Nokia Internet tablet product, model 770. This device was released last year as an easy (and very portable) way to surf the web from home or work -- or in public if that's your thing -- using built-in wireless Internet access. This product was a precursor to the Microsoft UMPC (ultra-mobile PC) that was announced just a few months ago. These devices have very limited utility for everyday computing tasks, regardless of hardware specifications, because they lack a full-fledged keyboard -- a dealbreaker for many. But these devices do have their place. Or at least, I think they do.

Nokia has just announced that Google Talk -- the instant messaging program from our Google friends -- will come pre-installed on an updated version of the Nokia 770 Internet tablet. This is the first time Google Talk will come pre-installed on anything, so it's more or less of a feature debut than anything. Competing instant messengers from Yahoo!, ICQ, AOL Instant Messenger and MSN Messenger come pre-installed on millions of cellphones these days -- in addition to computer use -- so why would Nokia pre-install Google Talk now, at this time?

First of all, it highlights Nokia's ties to the hottest Internet company right now -- Google. Secondly, Google may be trying to get customers to use its IM program more as wireless Internet use becomes more common in public areas. Of course, there are constant rumors that Google wants to continue opening up WiFi hotspots around the country.

While folks won't take their laptop to dinner and a night out, they may take a small internet tablet (or a WiFi cellphone). Google may be planning to be the IM program of choice as WiFi-type consumer connectivity becomes more common in public. Should investors take note of a seemingly-insignificant development like this? I would have to say yes.