Notebooks with Built-in Wireless Becoming More Common

According to a PC World article, not only is built-in 802.11b wireless capability becoming the must-have feature for higher-end notebook computers, but vendors are starting to use dual-band chipsets that support both the widespread 802.11b standard and the faster 802.11a. 802.11a operates at 5GHz with maximum throughput of up to 54 mbps, compared to 802.11b’s 2.4 GHz/11 mbps. The two versions are not compatible, necessitating the use of dual-band chips, since an 802.11a-only device would find itself useless in most public hotspots. A third option, 802.11g, operates at the faster 54 mbps, but is compatible with the 11 mbps 802.11b networks, but it is still a draft standard with the IEEE, though it is anticipated that the final version will have only minor changes. Apple has already begun to include 802.11g hardware in their new notebooks, and others are sure to follow.

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