Wifi next generation

[fastfund]

I plan to invest a great amount of money in PDA wifi units for my company. the Dell unit is currently on our check list. Blackberry and bluetooth technology although have more accessibility are limited in their capabilities when it comes to advanced applications. Heres the need. Our web based customer fills out online applications. He is either approved or turned down. Based on the information he sends, we want to be able to auto-populate his info into preloaded applications from anywhere cell technology can reach and send him back alternative solutions based on his application and qualifications. Software applications are available, it's the transfer via wireless that is at issue. We want to know immediately when a potential client has started filling out an application where ever we are.
Heres the question. Is there a PDA technology in the near future that will allow cellular transfer instead of wifi? (Hot zones be damned) Is there a current system available that would allow for wifi Realtime interaction with a web client? Based upon my needs, am I talking out my back side? and lastly is this the right forum since no other could fit this subject? Since I will be purchasing 20-30 units immediately, I hope to find out if there is better technology comming soon before I invest in yesterdays leftovers. Or is this just not available yet?

 

[AndyHui]

If you want cellular technology, it will be 3G mobile networks to phones.

Otherwise, it's WiMAX for PDAs. Some places are already trialling it, with ranges of 50KM and up. The problem with WiMAX is that it will be nearly a year or more before you would consider it commonplace.

 

[borosp1]

Originally posted by: AndyHui

Otherwise, it's WiMAX for PDAs. Some places are already trialling it, with ranges of 50KM and up. The problem with WiMAX is that it will be nearly a year or more before you would consider it commonplace.

At least it will make broadband prices go down if WIMAX produces on the hype thats around it. Also if they can get the broadband through electric lines on a wide comercial venture throughout the vountry it will reduce prices even further.

 

[zephyrprime]

I used to sell cell phones.

There are lots of units exactly like what you are looking for. They are all pdas with built in cell phones. The power of Windows mobile with the connectivity to cellular networks.

http://www.sprint.com/business/products/phones/ppc6700_allPcsPhones.jsp

Data speeds for most services are limited to about 100kbps with a strong signal. Speed depends on user loads so it would be modest during business hours when a lot of calls are placed on the cellular network.

Also, many cellular companies offer data connectivity to computers via usb cable so that your cell phone can be used as a wireless modem. Also, cellular copanies offer pcmcia cards that allow you to connect to the internet from a untethered computer.
http://www.sprint.com/business/products/phoneCategories/connectionCards.jsp

I've only liked to sprint products but I know that cingular, verizon, and tmobile offer similiar products. Verizon also offers a high speed service in select high population cities that can give you speeds of ~400kbps.