Not all that long ago, the only way to connect your laptop to the Internet was with a wired connection. Then, fairly recently, laptop connectivity was improved with wireless cards. And then, not long ago at all, to greatly simplify matters even more, most laptop manufacturer began including WiFi as a standard feature. But, even that is not enough, given the rapid development of mobile broadband technologies (EV-DO), for which we once again need cards from our service providers. Or do we?
Dell has addressed the demand for WiFi-independent wireless connectivity in its new Latitude notebooks, the D620 and D820 models — both come with Cingular Wireless’ BroadbandConnect service built into their mobile systems. The new Dells can be configured with Cingular (News - Alert)’s UMTS/HSPDA-based 3G technology onboard, giving customers global wireless data capabilities from day one.
Cingular’s BroadbandConnect service uses UMTS/HSDPA technology – the global standard and natural 3G evolutionary path for GSM providers. In the U.S., it provides average download speeds between 400-700 kilobits per second (kbps), with bursts to more than one megabit per second (mbps). Cingular’s EDGE network, the largest national high-speed wireless data network in the U.S., provides average download speeds of up to 135kbps.
In the U.S., Latitude users now have mobile broadband access in all 16 BroadbandConnect markets launched by Cingular in 2005 — and in most major markets by the end of this year — with seamless high-speed EDGE network coverage outside those areas in 13,000 cities and towns. Overseas, they can use their Latitude notebooks wirelessly in conjunction with EDGE or GPRS data service in more than 100 countries worldwide.
The 16 U.S. markets where BroadbandConnect is currently available: Austin (TX), Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Portland (OR.), Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose (CA.), Seattle, Tacoma and Washington, D.C.
In addition to their Cingular compatibility, the new Dell (News - Alert) models comes equipped with the latest technology and security features, like Intel (News - Alert)’s new Core Duo processor, optional Bluetooth connectivity, a SmartCard reader, optional fingerprint reader, and a primary 9-cell battery and secondary 6-cell battery.
Panasonic also has just announced a laptop with built-in high-speed wireless broadband capabilities. Its Toughbook CF-74 is certified on Verizon (News - Alert) and Sprint (News - Alert)’s EV-DO networks.
That two major players in consumer technology have announced EV-DO compatibility in their latest laptops only suggests that the technology is on the edge of becoming mainstream. Perhaps the only thing holding it back now is the cost, compared to broadband service to the home. But, history also dictates that, as more and more companies begin offering the service, prices will be driven down quickly.
Erik Linask is Associate Editor of INTERNET TELEPHONY. Most recently, he was Managing Editor at Global Custodian, an international securities services publication. To see more of his articles, please visit Erik Linask’s columnist page.
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