Eee getting WiMAX
 

While we're busy waiting for the WiMAX version of the NIT, it looks like there's going to be a WiMAX version of the EeePC unveiled next week at CES:

http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/31/a...-intel-and-sp/

Re: Eee getting WiMAX
 

With Nokia on a 1 yr development cycle and WiMax still vaporware there is a rush to nothing happening soon.

Re: Eee getting WiMAX
 

I'd be interested to hear what you mean by "vaporware" WIMAX is available now in it's fixed location form. As a Clearwire customer, that is what I'm using as I write. Clearwire is making progress towards mobile WIMAX. See article here: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/htm...earwire17.html
I'm disappointed by the monthly cost for their lap top mobile card service of $60 per month. Hopefully the NIT version will be far cheaper than that.

Bottom line though, I think there is plenty of reason to be optomistic about WIMAX because of the much easier deployment of service in billion person markets like India.

I have no idea what Nokias progress is for the inclusion of a WIMAX
chip. But I'm guessing it's going to happen very soon. I bet we see it in the next year or so.

Neil

Re: Eee getting WiMAX
 

Not only is WiMAX deployed in fixed form by clearwire, but it's deployed in a mobile form already (wibro) in Korea. Calling it "vaporware" is rather ignorant.

Re: Eee getting WiMAX
 

I had been eagerly following Wimax & Sprint for widespread deployment in the as a US low cost alternative to cell phones. I concede ignorance of it's widespread deployment in the US as a low cost alternative to cell phones.

Re: Eee getting WiMAX
 

You are right about that. Not yet a US cell phone alternative. A few more bricks need to go in to complete the wall, but it looks to me like we are pretty close, don't you think ?

Neil

Re: Eee getting WiMAX
 

If that had been what you said in the first place, then I wouldn't have said it was ignorant. You said that WiMAX is vaporware, not that it has not yet become widely enough deployed in the US to replace cell phones.

The fact is that it is not vaporware, it is widely deployed in some regions, and it is deployed in some markets within the US. It is clearly not vaporware, by any stretch of the imagination.

But, you're right, it's not yet deployed widely enough within the US to be a replacement for cell phone service. That, however, is not a reason to think that an unveiling of the WiMAX NIT at CES would be premature. Especially since there's going to be a WiMAX presentation at CES.

Re: Eee getting WiMAX
 

One of the business or techie journals had a whole profile on WiMax - and mentions the gambles involved (at least in the US market). It also mentions something to the effect that Sprint's new leadership has scaled-back their once eager development of it.

Re: Eee getting WiMAX
 

But what does that say about Sprint's leadership? Are they losing interest? Or are they debating how to proceed? I tend to think that could just leave the door open for Clearwire. My personal experience with WIMAX is that it is quite reliable. It works great . What can I say. It's here and it's just going to be developed. If Sprint is stupid enough to scale back it's WIMAX plans, I think they will regret it.

Neil

Re: Eee getting WiMAX
 

It will never be marketed as an "alternative" to cell phones. It is, and will be marketed as a means of 4G data connectivity.

Sprint has already soft launched service in Chicago and Arlington... A soft launch in Texas is expected Q108.

Soft launch = Network equipment in place...

Nothing vapor about that.

Sprint's intra network (CDMA to iDEN) PTT solution via Qualcomm could be considered vaporware but not WiMAX. WiMAX is a done deal...

At least in those markets :)

A good place to check what is pending with WiMAX is here >> http://www.wimaxforum.org/kshowcase/view