Samsung unveils high-powered wireless laptop

Samsung has launched a notebook computer that uses multiple radios to boost wireless networking speeds.

Using a technology called Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO), not only is the data transmission speed doubled from 54 to 100Mbits, the maximum signal range is also increased from the current 300ft to 900ft.

MIMO uses existing 802.11b and 802.11g standards, but makes better use of the available radio spectrum by sending several data signals over a single radio channel.

Samsung uses a wireless chipset from a startup company called Airgo Networks. The chips offer an alternative to Intel's Centrino chipset for wireless networking, utilised in most of today's laptops. Centrino uses only one radio, where Samsung's X20 is equipped with two.

The computer manufacturer is the first in the world to build in support for MIMO into laptops, according to Airgo. Makers of wireless networking gear, including Netgear, Linksys and Belkin, are already selling MIMO-equipped routers and network cards.

The technology is likely to be part of the forthcoming 801.11n standard currently under development. The laptops will be sold in parts of Europe and Asia.