Wireless Notebooks: What You Need To Know About Going Wireless!
By Titus Hoskins
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
This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.
Related Article
Getting A Great Refurbished Laptop
By Cody Kahl
Are you sick of all the high priced notebooks out there? Does getting a used laptop seem like a better choice to you? Refurbished laptops are everywhere these days, and the word itself seems like a “buzz word” of the industry. But do these used machines actually hold up to the strict standard of the word “refurbished”?
In this article I will discuss exactly what
process a used notebook should go through before it is called “refurbished”, as well as the advantages and disadvantages purchasing one brings.
Ok, so you see refurbished or recertified laptops being touted everywhere online these days, but are they all the same? The answer is no. Each company has a different process of restoring a notebook, and they aren’t all equal. This is what a good restoration process should look like:
- An examination of all hardware components
- Diagnostic and performance test
- Cleanup
- Cut & scratch repair (not always necessary)
What this process should equate to is a machine that runs just as good as when it was brand new, (and sometimes look just as good).
The most important thing you can do if you are looking at a particular “recertified” laptop is find out about the company selling it. Are they reputable? How long have they been in business? What process do their refurbished laptops go through?
These are the most important questions you must ask. I’ll be honest here; there are many companies that claim that their notebooks are recertified, but this is really a lie. There is a risk involved when buying a reconditioned notebook, and checking a company out before you purchase can go a long way towards your peace of mind.
That being said, good deals and quality notebooks can be found, and are found daily.
Before I conclude this article I would like to go over a few of the advantages and disadvantages buying a refurbished notebook can bring. For one, the obvious advantage is that you can save a lot of money on a mobile PC that runs just as good as ever -- as long as the laptop is of good quality. This is the advantage that appeals to everybody when it comes to getting a reconditioned laptop.
As for disadvantages? Well, as I said above, there is a risk when purchasing these notebooks. By doing proper research you can minimize this risk, but it will always be there. Another down side to these machines is that you are limited to whatever is available. With a new notebook your options are endless –- With a refurbished one, you have to take what you can get.
All in all, I think buying a refurbished laptop can be a great idea; provided you take the time to ask questions such as the ones above. If done correctly, you can get a great portable PC that will last you a long time to come, and save you a lot of cash as well.
Cody Kahl is creator and writer of Toshiba Laptops Guide – A site
dedicated to providing only the best used toshiba laptops information.
Cody believes in quality, and this free resource proves it.
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