HP Unveils Global Mobile Broadband Laptop

Hewlett-Packard has teamed up with Cingular to build global mobile broadband capabilities into an HP Compaq nc6400 notebook.

The notebook has integrated Cingular Wireless UMTS/HSDPA-based technology that is designed to enable cellular data users to connect in more areas at broadband speeds to corporate networks, e-mail and the Internet without being tied to a wireless hotspot.

HP said its nc6400 notebook is the first one with a tri-band UMTS modem supporting data rates of up to 3.6 Mbps in the U.S. and in some other countries, as well. Cingular's UMTS/HSDPA-enabled BroadbandConnect service is based on the global 3G standard.

BroadbandConnect is currently available in the U.S. in 145 markets, including 65 of the top 100 largest cities in 33 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia, according to HP. Cingular reported in November that there are 142 UMTS networks in 61 countries and 72 HSDPA networks.

3G cellular systems are designed to offer global mobility for services like Internet access, broadband data transfers, messaging, paging, and telephony. UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System) is 3G wireless technology set up to deliver high-bandwidth data and voice services to mobile users. HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access) technology is designed to increase data transfer speeds.

Customers can use the nc6400 notebook's mobile broadband capabilities in the U.S., along with 115 other countries, HP reported. The mobile broadband network offers average download speeds of 400 to 700 Kbps.

The notebook is slated to be available in late December at a starting price of $1,599. Buyers can get monthly unlimited Cingular BroadbandConnect service for $59.99. International plans are available.