I understand that these new Dothan processors with more on chip memory will open the door for other wireless functions like integrated GPRS and 3G.  Does anyone know the specs on 3G?  How much faster will it be than the latest EDGE technology.  Does anyone know when it will be mainstream in the US?  I’m just sick of slow GPRS and expensive aircards just to get 56k speeds.

Memory doesn’t have anything to do with radios. There are Xeon CPUs (to use an Intel example) available with more L3 cache than Dothan and I would bet none are connected to radios.

WCDMA is about 2Mbps and 1xEV-DO is about 2.4 Mbps while EDGE tops out at about 384 kbps. AT&T has an agreement with NTT that they have to have 4 cities wired for 3G (WCDA, I believe) by Dec 2004. Cingular has stated that they want to honor that agreement. All three US GSM carriers plan on having some sites operational with EDGE by 2005, but considering their track record, that remains to be seen.

If you really want mobile speed, move to Japan. The new network their building out is supposed to be over 100 Mbps. What would you do with an OC-3 to your phone? :ph34r:

Sorry, no can do on Japan.  I’m pretty grounded here in S. Florida. (Career, Wife, Kids, the whole nine…).  I know, I am a pathetic family sap.

It’s exciting to know we can surf on our laptops virtually anywhere at more than DSL speeds within the next year or so!  I just hope they can keep the cost down

Has anyone come across articles on this emerging technology?  I would love to read up on release dates on specific carriers.  Additionally, do you think the next TR’s will integrate this stuff?  I’m sure this depends on demand, which is why we are getting the shaft on Bluetooth here in the US.

I wouldn’t hold your breath over either.

Do you know what the Cingular and AT&T speeds will be regarding those 2004 commitments?

It’s WCDMA, so it’s 2Mbps. Since you don’t live in San Francisco, San Diego, Dallas or Seattle, you’ll have to wait until at the very least next year. AT&T is only doing this due to their agreement with NTT, or NTT will ask AT&T to buy back the 16% of the company it owns. Speculation is that they’re not going to rush out to do much else.

Bummer. :(

USA + cell phones = suckage.

Or something like that.