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Rumor: Apple may include WiMAX in notebooks
Rumors are flying that Apple may unveil notebook computers featuring WiMAX during the Macworld event this week. The technology, which has been soft-launched by Sprint in Chicago, Baltimore and Washington, D.C., may be included in an ultra-portable 13-inch notebook computer and possibility across Apple's MacBook Pro line. Tech gossip rag Valleywag says banners throughout San Francisco's Moscone center, where Macworld is held, sport the tagline: "There's something in the air."
If true, the move could provide a nice boost for Sprint's planned nationwide rollout in 2008. Sprint so far has the major handset makers on board but no public commitments thus far from computer and consumer electronics companies. The question is: Would such a move be a risky one for the company? Tell us what you think.
For more about the Apple/WiMAX rumors:
- read this piece from Valleywag
Related articles:
The HSPA PR machine heats up as WiMAX heats up Report
Motorola showcases mobile WiMAX handoffs Report
Comments
Posted by Anonymous | January 14, 2008 - 2:58pm
Seriously, who really thinks that WiMAX, primary backer, Intel, who makes Intel chips for Apple's Macs, would be risky?
Posted by Lynnette Luna | January 14, 2008 - 5:23pm
Then why aren't all of the laptop makers that use Intel chips doing it? There is risk. These types of chips make laptops more expensive.
Posted by Anonymous | January 15, 2008 - 10:10am
In the fall Intel put out a press release that could be summed up by the one line:
Five laptop makers--Acer, Asus, Lenovo, Panasonic, and Toshiba--have all agreed to use the new WiMax enabled chips in their laptops.
oQo announced a WiMAX laptop for under $1000 last week at the CES.
This covers about 70% of the Intel based laptop market (personal estimate, not hard fact) so not surprising that Apple might do the same, especially as it will need to be conditional of Intel actually putting out the chips in commercial quantity.
Posted by Lynnette Luna | January 15, 2008 - 12:02pm
Oops. You're right. I for some reason was thinking about CPE vendors. Thank you for your insight.-Lynnette
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