Wireless Notebooks
Update! Sony Does Cellular! Sony has introduced the world's
first 'Cellular Built in Modem'. The Sony VAIO VGN-T350P uses a
SIM chip, same as in your cell phone and connects to the web thru
Cingular Wireless national EDGE which stands for 'Enhanced Data
for Global Evolution'. Click here for more info:
Sony VAIO VGN T350P
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It's not exactly breaking news that our world is becoming
increasingly wireless. Many of our daily activities that
once needed a wired connection can now be done wirelessly!
The cell phone craze was probably the first revolution that
seemingly happened overnight. The convenience of being
constantly connected or plugged in to the your business,
friends, or family was an undeniable need that was quickly
met. For many people it has become a necessary in their
daily lives.
Wireless computers, notebooks or laptops may just be the second
wave in our struggle to becoming a totally wireless world. The
ability to be constantly connected to your business and/or loved
ones is revolutionizing the way we use computers and the Internet.
The notebook will do for computers, what the cell phone did for
the telephone industry -- make our computers wireless, portable
and accessible anywhere. It will also do the same for the Internet.
Being constantly connected to your friends, your business or your
family does have a certain appeal that can't be denied. The notebook
computer will give you this wireless connection.
The utraportable, versatile little notebook computer, will no doubt
play a major leading role in our wireless struggle to be constantly
connected. It's the 'portability' of the notebook or laptop
computer that holds the most appeal and is its major selling
point. And its popularity is growing.
It is estimated that over 42 million computer notebooks
will be produced this year in 2005. The market for laptop and
notebook computers is growing at a rate of 20% each year
according to Taiwanese notebook makers. And they should
know -- they make 70% of these notebooks or their components
for such major players as Dell, Hewlett-Packard and Gateway.
But it's the portability and wireless communication these devices
offer that's increasing their popularity among most users.
Just how is this wireless communication accomplished by the
notebook or laptop you ask?
Wireless notebooks uses three major wireless data standards in
order to transfer data. The one that is probably most common is
802.11b, also called Wi-Fi which stands for Wireless Fidelity.
Wi-Fi or 802.11b transfers data wirelessly at a maximum rate of
11Mbps for up to 150 feet. It uses the 2.4GHz radio spectrum and
although it says 11Mbps, you will probably only get around 4-6Mbps
in actual use. But this is enough bandwidth for high speed
Internet, gaming and most file transfers.
The 802.11a is another standard that uses the 5GHz radio spectrum,
so it has 8 channels available instead of only 3 that's available with
802.11b. The 'a' version also permits a larger transfer, at a maximum
of 54Mbps.
The other standard, 802.11g, is a hybrid of 'A' and 'B' - its
also capable of 54Mbps but it uses the 2.4 GHz spectrum and is
compatible with 802.11b devices. Some notebooks like the Fujitsu
LifeBook N6010, have a tri-mode 802.11a/b/g wireless system that
uses all three forms!
Of course, it should be kept in mind, that any group of computers
can be made wireless by using a wireless router and a wireless
network adaptor for each computer. Also, many notebooks and
computers come with a Bluetooth module, which allows for wireless
communication between any sort of electronic devices -- from cell
phones to computer to stereos to headphones.
However, if you're setting up a wireless network or if you're
using your wireless notebook or laptop at hotels and airports -
security will be a concern. Anyone, within distance possessing
the right equipment and a little ingenuity may get access to
this wireless system. For major corporations or the lowly
homeowner; safeguards need to be taken to prevent unwanted
visitors from interrupting your peaceful wireless universe.
There are usually two basic methods of securing wireless networks,
WEP and MAC address filtering. The MAC (Media Access Control) is
the physical address or unique hardware identifier given to each
device in the network. Then you manually enter a list of addresses
that can use or access your wireless network.
The other filtering process is more secure, WEP or Wireless
Encryption Protocol requires a shared key between the users
and then using this key to encrypt and de-encrypt data that's
transmitted between your network users.
Many major hotel chains and other businesses are now offering
'Wi-Fi' services as an added convenience to their patrons.
These 'hot spots' are popping up everywhere, even at some
gas stations. You may need to sign in or get a password or
key to access these services.
But like your cell phone conversations, any radio transfer
or transmission will not be as secure as a wired connection.
Keep this in mind if privacy is a major concern for you.
But don't let it stop you from enjoying the convenience,
portability and practicality of your wireless notebook or
laptop.
It's a wireless world after all.
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