Qualcomm launches Gobi mobile internet solution for laptops

Qualcomm Incorporated is introducing Gobi global mobile Internet, an embedded solution for notebook computers that can take advantage of the high-speed mobile Internet services offered by network operators in virtually all parts of the world, as well as GPS.

The Gobi solution is meeting the demand from leading notebook manufacturers for worldwide connectivity capabilities beyond Wi-Fi and is being certified to operate on CDMA2000 EV-DO and UMTS HSPA networks worldwide.

This new product is available now and enterprise and consumer notebooks powered by Gobi are expected to be commercially available in the second quarter of 2008.

"Gobi-enabled notebook computers with global mobile Internet unify the most important wireless carrier network technologies deployed around the world, providing comprehensive support for all 3GPP and 3GPP2 technologies," said Dr. Sanjay K. Jha, chief operating officer of Qualcomm and president of Qualcomm CDMA Technologies. "We are leveraging Qualcomm's expertise in multi-mode wireless chipsets to bring unparalleled connectivity to notebook users, who can now be confident they can instantly access the Internet without searching for a hotspot -- today."

HP, Vodafone and Verizone Wireless have shown interest in the new device.

The embedded Gobi solution for notebook OEMs through Qualcomm customers includes Qualcomm's MDM1000 chipset, associated software and API, and a reference design for a software-defined configurable data module supporting both EV-DO Rev. A and HSPA with full backward compatibility, as well as GPS functionality.

By supporting both the 3GPP and 3GPP2 standards, notebook manufacturers can deliver products with global connectivity capabilities while benefiting from greater efficiencies and a simplified user experience.