Intel Abandons 3G for WiMax

At its recent developer forum in Beijing, Intel disclosed plans to include WiMax support next year in its next-generation Montevina platform for notebook computers.

Intel said when the Montevina platform, which will run on a processor code-named "Penryn," ships late next year it will come with an integrated Wi-Fi/WiMax option. The vendor touted Mobile WiMax multimegabit speed, throughput and extended range as superior to alternative technologies, such as 3G cellular. These capabilities will let mobile users get the same benefits from the Web that their wired peers enjoy, including access to bandwidth-intensive content, such as high-definition videos and music, Intel said.The company also said laptops running on its Montevina platform will use smaller, more efficient components that are "ideal" for very compact notebook computers.