5.7 Wireless Notebook Connectivity

One of the most important factors of the success of Wi-Fi has been Intel’s push for an embedded Wi-Fi chip in all notebooks with its mobile Centrino chipset. For some time, Intel was considering repeating this approach with a combined Wi-Fi/HSPA wireless chipset, but they gave up on these plans when their alternative WiMAX strategy emerged. Since then, several other possibilities have emerged to connect notebooks to cellular networks. These have gained significant popularity among travelers and users who are using a B3G Internet connections as an alternative to Internet access via DSL or cable:

• A built-in 3G network card via a mini PCI expansion slot. Such notebooks are sold, for example, by mobile network operators in combination with a 12 or 24 month contract and a monthly fee. While an interesting concept, this is likely to remain a niche market as the majority of people will continue buying their notebooks from other sources.