Wi-Fi hot spots, while providing more than adequate speeds for most
applications, aren’t always convenient or reliable. But that’s changing.
At the Consumer Electronics Show, major
notebook manufacturers have announced alliances with carriers that will
bring high-speed network access to notebooks. Lenovo made announcements yesterday, and HP followed suit today.
The new HP Compaq nc6140 incorporates the Qualcomm MSM6500 CDMA20001xEV-DO high-speed wireless chipset.
Operating on Verizon Wireless’s Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO) network,
the nc6140 notebook enables users to connect to
corporate networks, e-mail and the Internet at broadband speeds while offsite.
HP’s nc6140 notebook features integrated dual antennas and pre-installed
software to help establish a wireless connection via Verizon Wireless’s
BroadbandAccess network. HP and Verizon Wireless
said they will jointly market the new business notebook.
The Verizon Wireless EV-DO network behind BroadbandAccess service offers
download speeds of 400 to 700 Kbps.
“We had some of our attorneys test the new HP Compaq 6140 notebook PC
while traveling, and they were always able to get and maintain a good
connection,” said Brian Clayton, manager of Information Systems Group at Sebaly
Shillito and Dyer, in a statement.
“Currently we work from a pool of cards that
are checked out as needed for wireless cellular access. Having the cards
built in is a very big advantage that will eliminate that whole
card deployment process.”
The HP nc6140 notebook incorporates enhanced security features along with
its integrated mobile broadband technology, wireless LAN and Bluetooth
HP ProtectTools Security Manager
software includes several customizable layers of security.
Additionally, the nc6140 includes HP Drivelock hard-drive protection to
protect against unauthorized access to the notebook.
The nc6140 weighs six pounds, and features a 15-inch, wide-angle display.
Expansion capabilities include an optional port replicator that simplifies
system management and an optional HP Travel Battery that HP says doubles
battery life.
Pricing starts at $1,399. Customers with any monthly Verizon
Wireless voice plan can receive unlimited BroadbandAccess for an additional
$59.99 monthly access, or $79.99 for non-voice customers.
As with other HP business notebooks, the nc6140 includes HP’s Mobile Data
Protection System to protect the hard drive from shock, scratch-resistant
in-mold lamination and the HP Panel Protection System, which is designed to help
protect it from the bumps of life on the road.
