ROUND ROCK, Texas-In the latest collaboration between laptop makers and wireless carriers, Dell Inc. announced plans to add built-in access to Vodafone Group plc’s third-generation wireless network to its notebook computers.
The computer manufacturer said it plans to offer notebook computers with optional integrated HSDPA capability. The offering will be backward compatible with UMTS and GPRS networks, said Dell.
Collaborations between carriers and computer manufacturers are becoming more and more common. Dell also has an agreement to offer built-in support for Verizon Wireless’ CDMA2000 1x EV-DO-based BroadbandAccess network on its computers, as do Lenovo Group Ltd. and Hewlett-Packard Co. Lenovo also plans to add built-in support for Cingular Wireless L.L.C.’s UMTS/HSDPA-based BroadbandConnect network to its ThinkPad notebook computers.
Sony Corp. currently offers a laptop with the ability to access Cingular’s EDGE network.
