Wireless Notebooks: What You Need To Know About Going Wireless!

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

Copyright © 2005 Titus Hoskins of http://www.bizwaremagic.com

This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.

---

The Top 10 Must-Have Laptop Accessories

You've laid out good money for your laptop computer, but... Read More

How to Shop for Inkjet Printer Cartridges

Keeping Shipping Costs DownWhen shopping for inkjet printer cartridges online... Read More

Cisco CCNA Certification: Why You NEED Hands-On Practice !

CCNA and CCNP candidates hear it all the time: "you... Read More

Introduction to Dedicated Servers

A dedicated server is a single computer on a web-hosting... Read More

Trouble-shooting Hard Drive Problems - Part 1

It is extremely important not to make or write any... Read More

JunxionBox -- WiFi Access Everywhere

Now you can more easily access the Internet wherever mobile... Read More

5 Ways To Backup Your Data...

The data on your hard drive is the most critical... Read More

Expansion Cards Part 2: AGP

Expansion Cards Part 2: AGPThe first in this series of... Read More

Digital Camera Prints - Getting the Most for Your Money

Digital cameras have really taken off in popularity in recent... Read More

Computer Components for Idiots

There are many fancy add-ons for computers, but the basic... Read More

How to Choose The Right Laptop Accessories?

The notebook computer is coming of age. For the first... Read More

Small Computers

Today, small form factor computers demolish the myth that bigger... Read More

TiVo: An Introduction for the Few Who Dont Know Yet

TiVo will change your life... for the better. Plain and... Read More

The Printer Cartridge Review

Years ago computers were huge and their accompanying printers were... Read More

Learn How To Diagnose Power Supply Problems

The Power Supply convert's your regular household current into low... Read More

How to Check Your IP

So you need to check your IP address, for whatever... Read More

Inexpensive Radius Server Gives Wireless Networks The Security They Need

Many small businesses have considered connecting computers and other devices... Read More

How To Choose The Best Student Laptop?

How To Choose the Best Student Laptop?Merchants are singing those... Read More

A Technical Introduction to Audio Cables

What is so important about cables anyway?One of the most... Read More

The Right Way To Discharge Capacitor In Switch Mode Power Supplies

Switch mode power supply contain some large filter capacitors that... Read More

Building A PC

Many people simply go to the retail store and get... Read More

Computer Cooling Hardware

PC cooling systems are one of the hottest - and... Read More

Selecting a Laptop

Small Can Be BeautifulWhen purchasing a new computer, you may... Read More

Buying a Plasma or LCD TV FAQs

This article focuses on frequently asked questions by buyers of... Read More

Dell Inspiron 600m Notebook Computer

After twelve years of owning desktop computers, I finally opted... Read More

Used Laptop Computer: Your Quick Purchase Inspection Guide ? Part 4

Used laptop computers are everywhere these days. How can you... Read More

Generation Laptop

In May 2005 U.S hardware history was made.This was the... Read More

How to Get the Case Off Your PC!

This is the first step to servicing, upgrading or removing... Read More

High Definition DVD

High definition DVD, also known as HD-DVD (which actually stands... Read More

Review: Implementing the Google Search Appliance in an Intranet environment

Our corporate intranet is a non-framed environment with both Lotus... Read More

How To Upgrade Your PC

Before you upgrade your PC hardware it's best to search... Read More

Flash Your ATI Video Cards BIOS

Flash your ATI video card BIOS.You will need the following:1.... Read More

Printer Cartridges - Step Back in History

You are working and trying to print out important documents... Read More