ATLANTA-ThinkPad notebook computers will have built-in support for Cingular Wireless L.L.C.’s BroadbandConnect network, according to plans from Cingular and computer manufacturer Lenovo.
The preconfigured notebooks are expected to be available starting in the second quarter. Lenovo will integrate Cingular’s wireless wide area network technology into the Thinkpads, allowing users to access the carrier’s high-speed network without additional hardware, a separate PC card or a nearby Wi-Fi hotspot.
“Cingular is working closely with Lenovo from a research and development standpoint to wirelessly enable its products with a technology that is based on a global 3G standard,” said Jeff Bradley, vice president of business data services for Cingular. “We look forward to jointly offering to Lenovo notebook customers wireless broadband access on both a domestic and an international scale.”
Cingular’s UMTS network recently launched in 16 major markets, and the company says it is committed to extending the service to most major markets by the end of this year. Where the high-speed network is not available, notebook users will be able to access Cingular’s EDGE service. ThinkPad users also will have wireless access in countries where Cingular has data roaming agreements.
The announcement is the latest collaboration between carriers and computer manufacturers to embed wireless technology in laptops. Lenovo also announced plans for a ThinkPad notebook for Verizon Wireless’ BroadbandAccess network, as have laptop makers Hewlett-Packard Co. and Dell Inc. Sony offers a laptop with the ability to access Cingular’s EDGE network, and Sierra Wireless Inc. announced last month that it had developed an embedded laptop card preconfigured to work on Sprint Nextel Corp.’s EV-DO network.
