RSSPanasonic's Toughbooks to carry omni-connective 'Gobi'
By Tim Conneally | Published September 10, 2008, 6:47 PM
Qualcomm's "global mobile Internet chip" Gobi, announced last October, is an SoC that enables connectivity to EV-DO Rev. A, UMTS, and HSPA networks as well as GPS. Today, Panasonic announced the chips will be used in upcoming Toughbooks.
According to Gartner research, embedded wireless broadband was seen as a problem for notebooks because of the disparity between available technologies, rapid evolution in the field, and the limitations of aligning with just one network. This is why Qualcomm developed the multi-connection software-swappable modem used in Gobi.
The multi-mode chips seem a perfect fit for Panasonic's rugged line of workplace laptops, as remote job site connectivity can be a severe impediment to productivity. Through deals with Vodafone and Verizon, these laptops gain intercontinental 3G connectivity. Beginning in October, the Toughbook 19 convertible tablet and flagship Toughbook 30 will be shipped with Gobi, and Panasonic has plans to integrate Qualcomm's technology into all of its mobile computing products.
Meanwhile, companies such as Acer and Lenovo have aligned with Intel, enabling select laptops with WiMAX connectivity. Some devices are rumored to be subsidized by Sprint for use on the company's Xohm WiMAX network, but the company thus far has eschewed the WiMAX subsidy model.
In Panasonic's statement today, it says it expects Gobi will receive Sprint's approval, but this is most likely for its EV-DO network, not Xohm.
Gobi gives you the potential to have wireless connection on your laptop almost anywhere, with the combined networks. This option is now available on the Toughbook 19 and 30. For more information check out: http://www.groupmobile.c...anasonic+Toughbook.html
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Just a couple comments...
I like Wi-Max. It is an open standard which has allot of potential.
That being said, I am not quite sure what the benefit of enabling all of the devices for WiMax compatibility enables if so few are using it. So far only Sprint is using it and they are not into cooperative use.
I fear the industry is building in a solution which has no means of being utilized - but gee, the potential offered by the solution sure sounds great - even if it can't be used.
But that being said, if they can implement an agile multi-format interface, great. But it sounds too practical - which by definition violates the laws of the universe and renders it illegal and doomed to fail.
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