Acer, Toshiba, and Lenovo unveil WiMax laptops
Acer Aspire 6930, now with 4G wireless.
Baltimore residents looking to take advantage of Sprint's brand-new Xohm WiMax data network can now choose among several laptops with built-in WiMax compatibility from such major manufacturers as Acer, Toshiba, and Lenovo.
On Wednesday, Acer announced that it would be bringing WiMax radios to two Aspire models, the 14.1-inch Aspire 4930-6862 and the 16-inch Aspire 6930-6771. Both laptops cost $899 and are built on Intel's Centrino 2 platform, with a 2.0GHz Core 2 Duo T7350 processor, 3GB of RAM, integrated graphics, and a 320GB hard drive.
Meanwhile, Toshiba has announced the WiMax-ready Satellite U405-ST550W. The 13-inch laptop will also be based on Centrino 2, with 4GB of RAM and a 320GB hard drive. Internal components aside, its case will be identical to the Satellite U405-S2830 we reviewed earlier this summer.
And finally, Lenovo takes the launch crown with four WiMax-ready ThinkPads. The WiMax option is available on the SL series, aimed at small and medium businesses, as well as the mainstream T series and the ultraportable X series. Specifically, you can now opt for WiMax connectivity on the ThinkPad SL300, SL500, T400, and X301.
Of course, Baltimore won't be the only market to be interested in these laptops; Sprint is planning to expand its WiMax service to Chicago, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Portland, Ore., and Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas.
Michelle Thatcher has been reviewing technology products for nearly a decade. Her current focus is laptop reviews, with some kitchen gadgetry and Web 2.0 thrown in for good measure.
I am definitely looking to get my hands on a new laptop by the end of the year.
Sprint is very reliable throughout NYC and I can't think of a reason why NYC is not on the WiMax list.