wimax

Networks

Unwired Offering 10GB For $40, But There's A Catch

Australian Post Posted by Nick Broughall at 10:36 AM on September 8, 2008

ethernet_modem_popup.jpgUnwired, the country's only real purveyor of WiMax has decided to restructure its download plans to try and bolster its customer ranks. They're now offering a range of plans - at varying speeds, of course - including one that includes 10GB worth of downloads for just $40.

It sounds pretty decent, doesn't it? When you read the fine print, however, things get slightly less appealing. Using the 10GB plan as an example, only half of that magic 10GB is available during peak times - the other 5GBs is only available at off-peak times. That's not the end of the world though... Peak times are between 2pm and 2am, so your morning browsing actually fits into the off-peak times.

But should you actually venture over your allotted download limit, you'll be slowed down to 32Kbps... slower than dialup. Sure, you can buy an extra gig for $15 if you're desperate, but why would you? The maximum speed you can get is 1Mbps, which sort of makes the whole bargain pricing make sense. Throw that in with Unwired's somewhat sketchy coverage (and it's nonexistent if you're outside Sydney and Melbourne), and scepticism seems to make a lot more sense. Even if you need wireless, you can get 6GB from the telcos for the same price - and you generally get much better coverage (and in some cases, speeds).

[Unwired]

Vehicles

Chrysler Gearing Up For In-Car Wi-Fi In 2009 Models Via Autonet

Posted by Matt Hickey at 11:00 AM on August 13, 2008

Chrysler is poised to be the first car manufacturer to offer built-in Internet access in its vehicles. The service, called Uconnect Web, uses existing wireless data network for Internet access it then shares with devices in the car via Wi-Fi, essentially turning your car into one big hot spot. The core device, which costs US$499 to install, can take advantage of WiMAX or EV-DO networks where available through a service called Autonet. The service will sell for US$29 a month. We like the idea for some things, like getting traffic and weather updates on the fly, but is the world ready for motorists that are even more distracted while driving? [Twice via CG]


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Networks

Returning Rumours: More Whispers That Google Is Looking To Acquire Sprint For WiMAX

Posted by Matt Hickey at 11:30 AM on August 8, 2008

We're not sure where this rumour starts, but the latest potential buyer of Sprint being whispered about is none other that Google Again. The rumours first started late last year, and now they're back, though there's a some substance to this one. Google and Sprint are already partnered on a next-gen WiMAX venture, and as Android slowly finds its way into users hands Google could benefit from a nationwide wireless infrastructure. And we know it has the cash and that Sprint's looking for a buyer. It could happen, but we wouldn't hold our breath. [Kansas City Star]


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Networks

AT&T Tries to Kill WiMax

Would you kick a crippled person just as they were standing on their feet, about to walk for the first time in years? AT&T would! Against all odds, WiMax just might make it, pending the merger of Sprint and... Read More »

Hardware

Intel's Centrino 2 Gets Official Launch, Alongside Core 2 Extreme

Posted by Kit Eaton at 5:57 PM on July 15, 2008

We learned in May that there would be delays to Intel's Centrino 2 chipset for notebooks, but today it gets an official launch from Intel. That certainly tallies with the slew of notebooks hitting the news which have the chips inside. Alongside the Centrino 2, Intel gives us word on the Core 2 Extreme, which runs at 3.06 GHz and the Mobile Intel 45 Express Chipset and wireless Intel Wi-Fi Link 5000, and the WiMAX/Wi-Fi Link 5050 chipset that supports the Centrino 2 to support WiMax and Wi-Fi operations. Since Intel plans to release eight processors over the next 90 days, there'll be lots more news like this. Press release below.


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Networks

Sprint WiMax Launches Commercially in September

After countless false starts, delays, death and rebirth, Sprint's WiMax is finally launching commercially in September. Baltimore is the first city to get it, with a rollout in Washington, DC and Chicago by the end of the year--all current... Read More »

Computers

Intel Tech Chief Reveals Secret Origins of the MacBook Air's Super Small Chip, Disses WiMax

Posted by Matt Buchanan at 4:00 AM on June 15, 2008

Here's something you didn't know about the MacBook Air's infamously tiny CPU: The shrinkage tech behind it had been collecting dust on Intel's shelf for a couple years since no PC manufacturer was interested in it. When Apple put in the call for a dwarven chip, Intel originally thought what Apple wanted was years away on their roadmap before re-discovering the concept--a year later they had it refreshed and ready to go. Which is the usual breakneck speed Apple moves, Intel's CTO Justin Rattner told Fortune. He also dished that they're collaborating on more breakthrough stuff that's "equally aggressive."


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Networks

Sprint and Clearwire Promises WiMax Will Be Totally Open, Can Replace Your ISP

In its filing to the FCC oh-so-politely asking for the okay to merge Sprint's and Clearwire's spectrum assets into the WiMax monolith New Clearwire (helpfully poked through by Ars), they make a lot of groovy promises to stoke the... Read More »

Computers

Sony to Join Low-End UMPC Party, Quanta Claims

Posted by Gizmodo US Edition at 8:13 PM on June 2, 2008

According to Quanta Computer—who will be the manufacturer—Sony will join the low-end ultra-mobile PC bandwagon with a notebook based on the VIA OpenBook reference design. As shown in the image, Sony's machine will use a 1.6GHz C7-M VIA processor, and while at this point it looks quite generic, it will be interesting to see if Sony—which is already known for its ultra-sleek sub-notebooks—would tweak the final design and technical specs.


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Hardware

Intel Demos Centrino 2 ASUS M51VA, WiMAX from Computex

Posted by Gizmodo US Edition at 10:15 AM on June 2, 2008

Intel's Senior Technical Marketing Engineer for Corporate Demonstrations Craig Raymond had his lucky hands all over the new ASUS M51VA Centrino 2 ("Montevina") portable at a pre-Computex demo session today, and—delay or no delay—he came away loving the freedom of Intel's new chip and WiMAX. Sure, he's an Intel guy talking about an Intel-equipped laptop, but he sounds like he put the thing through the paces, starting with a highly scientific test using World of Warcraft.


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