Dell’s backbone to its netbook line, the Inspiron Mini 10, looks to be bringing the next generation of mobile internet to everyday users. There were hints that one day it would have WiMAX thanks to records at the FCC. Now, plans to attach that modem to an actual network have come out. The news came via CTIA and from wireless internet provider Clearwire, which will be providing a 4G-capable version of the Mini 10s for $249 starting on April 1st.
What is unusual is that Clearwire will only be offering it “through select Clear retail locations, telesales and Clear.com.” This makes the program sound a bit experimental, and it’s hard to see what the company has up its sleeve.
This news shows we are essentially beginning the 4G era. With all the tablets and the iPad offering only 3G modems and SIMs, it is interesting to wonder how long they will run without upgrading or risk becoming obsolete. Sprint has been advertising 4G for sometime, and is already putting out phones capable of utilizing it. A netbook on a 4G network might be able to survive the latest tablet storm, thanks to peoples’ insatiable desire for speed.
