Gateway To Ship Wireless Product

Gateway Inc. is the latest company to get in on the wireless action, promising to ship several wireless local area network products based on the 802.11b wireless industry standard.

Gateway's strategy is to provide clients with untethered broadband access to the Internet through several Lucent Technologies Inc. Orinoco products, including a Gold PC card for Gateway portable PCs, a PCI adapter for desktops, and two "access point" systems--the Orinoco RG-1000 for small businesses and the Orinoco AP-1000 for larger businesses needing roaming capabilities and enhanced security. With the installation of an access point in a central location and a PCI adapter or PC card inserted in a desktop or portable PC, clients can move around and continue to work with complete network access.

Gateway's launch plans look like this:

- Orinoco Gold PC Card, $199, Nov. 27

- Orinoco AP-1000 access point, $995, Nov. 27

- Orinoco PCI adapter, $268, January

- Orinoco RG-1000 access point, $349, January