Thinkpad Z60m With EV-DO Wi-Fi
This month’s new Lenovo ThinkPad Z60m will be able to crank out high-speed wireless data transit times averaging from 400 to 700 kbps-without the need for Wi-Fi or a special card. This zip will be in large part thanks to the Verizon Wireless Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO) network, which is the largest wireless broadband network in the United States. The ThinkPads will come out of the box already configured to access this network, so no additional PC card or hardware add-ons will be required.
The EV-DO network is different from traditional Wi-Fi because, one, it’s more secure. The technology encrypts every data transmission. And two, a EV-DO network is accessible if a user is anywhere within the 60 hardwired major cities and airports.
For corporate buyers, the advantages are easy to see. IT departments won’t need to tinker with PC cards and other hardware, nor worry about matching the right cards with the right notebooks. Plus, the improved security will give risk managers and security personnel one less thing to keep them up at night.
For business travelers and your average laptop users, the new Z Series ThinkPads will free them from having to buy a cup of coffee at Starbucks just to use their hotspot. Actually, there’s no more need to sit yourself in the middle of a hotspot at all.
The downside for individual buyers-anyone not enjoying the perks of corporate expense accounts-is the price. If you already have a subscription with Verizon cellphone coverage, you’ll be looking at a $59.99 per month service agreement, with a two year minimum, for high-speed broadband. Nonsubscribers, you will face a $79.99 monthly charge.
That’s hardly a bargain when compared with your typical consumer high-speed connections like cable and DSL, some of which are getting as cheap as dial-up.
By the way, the widescreen Thinkpad Z60m from Lenovo, has all the high quality bells and whistles we’ve come to expect from IBM, and is well worth checking out, if you’re hunting for a reliable business notebook.
Related articles:
– Tablet PC Thinkpad X41 from Lenovo
By Matthew Brodsky
Friday, October 14, 2005