Laptops with SIMs: Make Sense

At the dawn of the 21st century, many predicted the convergence of the phones and the computers. But which way...from computers to phone or the other way around?

I predicted (among a few others) in a 2006 high level conference in Honolulu that as far as Asia is concerned, it'll be from computers to phone. This means that more and more computer features will be lumped inside the cellphones. The advent of smart (and even yet smarter) phones made this a reality. I also mentioned that American computer makers will move the other way. More cellphone features for the computers.

Recent events have likewise made this a reality. In 2009, many will start selling and using laptops bundled with SIM cards. This will make the laptops connected anywhere GSM operates.

Last August, Vodafone launched the Lenovo notebook and the Dell Inspiron Mini and reported that in November, they were selling 2,000 embedded SIM netbooks a week. Not to be left behind, Orange responded by dramatically increasing its portfolio of laptops with an embedded SIM. Predicting that almost a third of all the laptops that will sell in 2009 will have a SIM embedded, Orange wanted to be a one-stop-shop for getting connected.

Orange and Fujitsu have signed a deal to include an Orange SIM in Fujitsu computers featuring an embedded GSM and 3G module. The Fujitsu LifeBook E laptops won't be locked to Orange, so no network subsidy, but they will be tested to work with the Orange 3G and HSDPA networks. Given the stability of the GSM standards, any incompatibility is pretty unlikely.

In addition to its being light weight (1.2 Kg), a sleek height of 30 mm, robust battery and DVD drive, and carbon fibre clad-shell, Sony Vaio VGN TZ21WN/B's will feature a special slot for mobile SIM card for easy internet access. This is a cool feature if you don’t want to look suspicious pulling your USB dongle in public. The subcompact also features fingerprint reader, an integrated notebook 0.3 MP camera, an on board L2 cache memory of 2MBs, Wireless LAN, Bluetooth, Card Readers, a generous 100 GB hard drive, 11.1 TFT display, Lithium Ion battery and usually comes with Microsoft Vista Business Operating System.

Who knows what 2009 will bring. A laptop with TV, perhaps?

Ed Canela