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Mobile Computing News, Reviews, & Tips

PCW Lab Tests: At Least One Reason to Upgrade to Vista

If you're considering upgrading your notebook to Windows Vista, here's one potential lure: Microsoft's new operation system enables you to handle wireless networking much more easily, says PC World's Preston Gralla. Vista makes it easier to find, save, and manage wireless networks. And wireless security has been improved. When you connect at a public Wi-Fi hotspot, security precautions automatically kick in. Read Preston's "Windows Vista: 15 Reasons to Switch."

Notebook News: Solid-State Notebook Drives

SanDisk has announced a 32GB solid-state flash memory drive, designed to replace conventional notebook hard drives. Notebooks equipped with the drive are expected by mid 2007, the company said, and should tack about $600 extra onto the price tag. Is it worth the extra dough? Flash memory drives have no moving parts, unlike conventional hard drives, and so they may be less likely to fail if you drop your laptop.

Mobile Trends: What to Expect in 2007

If Sprint Nextel sticks to its schedule, by the end of this year we should get a taste of what mobile WiMax will be like. Sprint Nextel was the first company to announce it is building a nationwide WiMax network, which it says should be up and running in late 2007. Also expected in 2007: more citywide Wi-Fi networks; more GPS cell phones; the evolution of Web 2.0 applications into mobile communities; an increase in the use of mobile media; and more. Read "Top Mobile and Wireless Trends for 2007" for more predictions.

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