WiMax enabled laptops unveiled

October 10, 2016

Now that Sprint’s XOHM WiMax network has launched in Baltimore, computer makers are looking to capitalise by releasing WiMax enabled laptops.

Lenovo is adding WiMax capabilities to its ThinkPad and IdeaPad notebook computers – which will be targeted at all types of users, including consumer, SME and enterprise.

WiMax connectivity is already available in Lenovo’s ThinkPad X301 ThinkPad T400, ThinkPad SL300 and SL500 models. Starting price will be around $720.

More ThinkPads and IdeaPads with WiMax capabilities will be launched later this year.

Lenveno vice president, Stephen DiFranco, said that building WiMax into its laptops will help customers ’stay better connected, anywhere, anytime’.

Although WiMax is still in its early stages of developments, it is expected to spread across the US, with Sprint already planning networks for Chicago and Washington within the next few months.

Sprint’s vice president of broadband, Bin Shen, said WiMax is transforming people’s thinking on wireless communications.

In addition to Lenovo, three other laptop manufacturers have announced that they will be adding WiMax capabilities into new models.

Asus has announced three products that will include Wi-Max cards, including the F8Va-C2WM, the 50Vn and the M50Vm.

All three have 4GB memory, at least 250GB hard disk space, and run on Intel’s new ‘Echo Peak’ Centrino 2 processor. Prices start at $1,399.

Acer is opting for the budget end of the market, with two multimedia laptops starting at $899, both with 3GB of memory and at least 250GB hard disk space.

Toshiba announced that it will be adding WiMax to its Satellite U405-ST550W laptop PC, although the company has not yet decided on exact price and features.

WiMax is both faster and cheaper than 3G, although as the technology is at a fledgling stage it is unclear whether it will take off worldwide.

Network operators in Taiwan have warned that installing WiMax would not be cost effective