Wireless Notebooks: What You Need To Know About Going Wireless!


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 ultraportable, 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! The next technology in Wireless Communication is 3G EV-DO! Sounds like one of those funny robots from Starwars -- but it stands for evolution-data optimized. This new technology will change how we view and use the world wide web.

Verizon Wireless 3G EV-DO began commercial operations in Oct. of 2003 and is now expanding to over 125 million US consumers by the end of 2005. With download speeds of 400 to 700 kbps and bursts up to 2 Mbps, 3G has really given us wireless Internet this time. It has or will turn the Internet into a truly wireless system that's devoid of any cables or lines. It will be everywhere -- no space within our biosphere will be without the Internet very soon.

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.

For More Information on Computer Notebooks and Laptops Click Here: Computer Notebook Guide

Copyright © 2005 Titus Hoskins of http://www.bizwaremagic.com

This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.







Related News



Envizions System of Tomorrow Is Set for Release - MarketWatch

Envizions System of Tomorrow Is Set for Release
MarketWatch -3 hours ago
The EVO Smart console hardware, software, and packaging is complete. Another change to Envizions' current business model is that the Mirrors Evolution ...

PC-Gaming hardware worth $34 billion by 2012 - CNET News

PC-Gaming hardware worth $34 billion by 2012
CNET News, CA -6 hours ago
According to a new report, "the total market value for PC gaming hardware in 2008 was just over $20 billion, and that will grow to over $34 billion by 2012 ...

Westlake Ace Hardware in, Price Chopper out for Salvation Army ... - Kansas City Star

Westlake Ace Hardware in, Price Chopper out for Salvation Army ...
Kansas City Star, MO -16 hours ago
... Credit: THE STAR Keyword: CHARITY The Salvation Army has picked up a new partner in the red kettle business: the 20 area Westlake Ace Hardware stores. ...

PC Gaming Hardware Market on the Rise and Will Continue to Grow ... - X-bit Labs

PC Gaming Hardware Market on the Rise and Will Continue to Grow ...
X-bit Labs, CA -1 hour ago
by Anton Shilov Sales of hardware designed for video gaming on personal computers will continue to grow at a rather rapid pace in the coming years, ...

NASA Receives First Stage Rocket Hardware for Ares IX Test Flight - MarketWatch

NASA Receives First Stage Rocket Hardware for Ares IX Test Flight
MarketWatch -Nov 17, 2008
10 of important hardware for the Ares IX rocket's upcoming test flight. Called the forward skirt, the component is part of the rocket's first stage. ...

Hardware swapped between station and shuttle - Spaceflight Now

ABC News

Hardware swapped between station and shuttle
Spaceflight Now, FL -Nov 18, 2008
BY WILLIAM HARWOOD Running almost an hour ahead of schedule, spacewalkers Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper and Stephen Bowen have moved a depleted nitrogen tank ...
Video: Endeavour to Dock With Station SundayAssociatedPress
Work Starts On Failed Station Joint TodayAviation Week
No Hardware Stores in Orbit13WHAM-TV
Earthtimes (press release) - Register
all 2,051 news articles

Nintendo Developing Wii Community Features, Updates Holiday ... - Shacknews

eFluxMedia

Nintendo Developing Wii Community Features, Updates Holiday ...
Shacknews -23 hours ago
by Blake Ellison Nov 18, 2008 4:29pm CST tags: Nintendo, Hardware Sales Nintendo, whose online presence is subdued compared to those of rivals Sony and ...
Nintendo: Wii Price Cut is Coming...SomedayEscapist Magazine
Is Nintendo's software success really a curse?CNET News
Nintendo, Top Game SellereFluxMedia
Forbes - Silicon Alley Insider
all 26 news articles

Perf Go Green Expands Distribution to United Hardware Distributing ... - MarketWatch

Perf Go Green Expands Distribution to United Hardware Distributing ...
MarketWatch -Nov 18, 2008
www.perfgogreen.com), a marketer and distributor of biodegradable plastics, today announced a distribution partnership with United Hardware Distributing ...

Mays Hardware to close doors after 50 years - Frederick News Post (subscription)

Mays Hardware to close doors after 50 years
Frederick News Post (subscription), MD -Nov 18, 2008
Since 1958, if you wanted anything hardware related from bolts and nuts to paint and tools, Mays was the place most locals went. But competition from big ...


3 new Ace Hardware locations in Oakland County - MLive.com

3 new Ace Hardware locations in Oakland County
MLive.com, MI -4 hours ago
by Erica Finley | Oakland Business Review Oakland County has three new Ace Hardware stores, offering almost 40000 square feet of home improvement and ...