Webmaster Forum

Just as Clearwire Corp. has fired up its long-awaited WiMax wireless data network in two cities, Nokia Corp. has stopped selling the only portable gadget that can use the network without accessories.

Nokia spokeswoman Laurie Armstrong confirmed Wednesday that the company has discontinued the N810 Internet Tablet WiMax Edition on its Web site.

Armstrong did not say why the tablet was withdrawn. But she said Nokia is still interested in WiMax, and by the time WiMax networks are more widely deployed, “refreshed products with even better performance will be required.”

Nokia’s portable computer, which has a 4.1-inch touch-sensitive screen and a slide-out keyboard, is still for sale for $438 in a version without a WiMax modem.

WiMax, sometimes described as a long-range version of Wi-Fi, is a competitor to traditional cellular broadband technologies. It offers relatively fast data speeds, and its proponents hope that WiMax antennas will be built into a variety of gadgets, from small computers to GPS devices.

Leading computer manufacturers have announced their intention to make their laptops WiMax-capable, but for now the only way to use Clearwire’s “Clear” network is with plug-in modems.

“We have a robust pipeline of devices slated throughout 2009 and will be providing more details in the coming weeks,” said Susan Johnston, spokeswoman for Clearwire.

The network is live in Baltimore and Portland, Ore.

Clearwire was formed last year by the union of a smaller company of the same name with Sprint Nextel Corp.’s WiMax division.

Source: newsfactor.com

Visit Ask Salomon to read more

Are you a Webmaster?

Latest Webmaster News
Webmaster Forum
Free Submission Directory

Where Webmasters from all over the World help each other.

No Comments Yet »

Apple COO Tim Cook has poured cold water on some persistent rumors and indicated Apple could take legal action against a competitor.

An iPhone nano was one rumor that has been circulating for at least 18 months. Some reports said the device would have a smaller screen and possibly less functionality. The rumor was fanned in recent months by reports of nano casings being made and of China-based factories gearing up for nano production.

Making the Best Phone

But in an earnings conference call this week, Cook said Apple will not be producing any low-end phones and is not focused on becoming the biggest seller of mobile phones. Instead, he said, Apple wants to concentrate on offering the best phone. He added that software drives iPhone sales, and multiple screen sizes, input methods, and hardware increase the difficulties for developers.

Avi Greengart, an analyst with industry research firm Current Analysis, said he expected Apple “to develop high-end and low-end versions of the iPhone over time, expanding to multiple price points.”

But he anticipated that the differentiation would focus on faster processors, a better-quality camera, and the like, rather than versions that, for instance, lower screen resolution.

Cook also lanced any ideas that Apple might enter the netbook market at this time. These smaller-than-laptop, less-expensive devices are selling well, and more hardware makers are jumping into the category.

But Cook said netbooks, with cheaper parts and less software capabilities, offer a lower computing experience. He echoed CEO Steve Jobs, now on medical leave, who reportedly said at the last earnings conference call that Apple didn’t “know how to build a sub-$500 computer that is not a piece of junk.”