UMTS

Why There Will Be No Single Wireless Broadband Technology

Craig Mathias — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 10:30:39 -0500

One of the great frustrations for many of us is having a wireless device but, in a given location and at a given moment in time, no connectivity - especially while others around you are merrily e-mailing away. Why can't we have just one big wireless network, you lament, based on one Great and Powerful wireless technology? Do we really need UMTS, CDMA2000, and WiMAX, diluting investment and coverage? Well, the challenge with having a single Great and Powerful wireless technology has its roots in the formerly powerful, if not so great, Soviet Union, and that is my topic for today. Wireless and communism - together at last.

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Panasonic semi-rugged notebook includes 3G wireless support

Keith Shaw — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 10:42:02 -0400

Panasonic Computer Solutions Company today launched the latest version of its Toughbook semi-rugged notebook line, the 3G-enabled Toughbook 52. An upgrade from the Toughbook 51, the 52 uses the new Intel Santa Rosa chipset and has extra security features, a new carrying handle and optional embedded next-generation wireless network access. Notebooks will be available in July in two configurations – standard configuration will be around $1,699, and an optimized version (with a faster CPU, 512MB of dedicated VRAM and 120GB hard drive) will cost about $2,499. The notebook includes ruggedized features such as magnesium alloy cases, shock-mounted hard drives and LCDs, flexible internal connectors and a spill-resistant keyboard, Panasonic says. The notebook has a battery life of about 4-6 hours, and is certified to the MIL-STD-810F standard, which allows for drops up to 2.5 feet on all six sides (the hard drive itself can survive a 3-foot drop). The wireless-ready design lets users buy or later upgrade to access to the UMTS/HSDPA-based network from AT&T (Cingular) or the EV-DO Rev. A networks of Sprint or Verizon. The notebook will initially ship with Verizon Wireless network access, Panasonic says. The notebook also features integrated WLAN and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. For security, the Toughbook 52 contains the v1.2 Trusted Platform Module security chip, the Computrace software agent in BIOS and an optional fingerprint scanner and smart card reader. More details are available at the Panasonic Toughbook web site.

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AT&T expands notebook network card options

Keith Shaw — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 11:54:23 -0400

AT&T today announced two new devices in its LaptopConnect portfolio that can access its 3G BroadbandConnect service (UMTS/HSDPA). The Option GT Max 3.6 Express ExpressCard and the Sierra Wireless AirCard 875U USB device can access the AT&T network in more than 165 major markets. For users outside the 3G coverage area, the devices can connect to AT&T's EDGE high-speed wireless data network. Around the world (at least in 125 countries), the devices can work where AT&T has international data-roaming agreements. Now available, the Option GT card supports PCs with Windows XP, 2000 and Vista, and works with newer notebooks that have ExpressCard slots (ExpressCard/34 and ExpressCard/54). The card features a flip-up antenna and "Advanced Receiver Technology" for improved 3G performance, AT&T says. Available on May 7, the Sierra Wireless AirCard 875U plugs into a standard USB port, has an integrated battery and supports Windows XP, 2000 and Vista machines (a Mac client is also available for download from Sierra Wireless).

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HP, Cingular launch "global notebook"

Keith Shaw — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 11:42:00 -0500

Forget the world phone – the cool kids are gonna want the world notebook. HP and Cingular Wireless today launched a notebook PC in the U.S. that features "built-in global mobile broadband capabilities." The latest HP Compaq nc6400 notebook will include integrated Cingular Wireless UMTS/HSDPA-based connectivity, which means business users will be able to connect to a high-speed wireless data network in more than 115 countries that support the UMTS or GPRS/EDGE network. HP says the notebook includes a tri-band UMTS modem that supports data rates of up to 3.6Mbps in the U.S. and other countries. In the U.S., Cingular's UMTS/HSDPA network is currently available in 145 metropolitan areas, including 65 of the top 100 largest cities in 33 states, Cingular says. Average download speeds range from 400Kbps to 700KBps, with 1Mbps bursts. The notebook will include integrated dual antennas and bundled Cingular software (Cingular Communication Manager) to help users establish a wireless connection. In addition to the wireless WAN connection, the nc6400 will include WLAN and Bluetooth connections. The notebook includes a 14.1-inch display, Intel Core 2 Duo processors, and support for 3D graphics. The notebook is expected to be available in late December, with a $1,599 starting point. Unlimited Cingular Broadband Connect service will cost $59.99 per month, with international plans available. Cingular says a North American plan of 100MB for $109 per month allows for access to Canada and Mexico, as well as unlimited domestic data access. A global plan of $139 per month for 100MB of data covers more than 24 countries worldwide, as well as unlimited U.S. access.

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