Sprint introduced a new device today that Baltimore-area residents can use on both its new high-speed WiMAX wireless broadband network, which for now is only available in our metro area, and its more ubiquitous "3G" cellular/data network, which is available throughout most of the U.S. Remember WiMAX?

In late September/early October, Sprint Nextel Corp. launched its XOHM network, which is based on WiMAX technology that essentially makes it easier to turn a larger geographic expanse into a "hotspot", similar to what you'd find at your local coffee shop.

What was also cool about XOHM was that Sprint broke the telecom mold by allowing users to purchase the wireless/mobile service on a monthly basis -- without being forced into a lengthy contract. (Earlier this month, Sprint announced it had spun off XOHM to another company, Clearwire. Note to Baltimore users: at some point in the future, XOHM will be rebranded as "Clear.")

Tech geeks have been a little ga-ga over the potential future for Sprint's XOHM network. But for the discerning digital mobilista, buying XOHM coverage for your laptop wasn't a huge draw, because the USB plug-in devices on the market could only catch the WiMAX signal. So, if you wandered out of the Baltimore coverage area with your XOHM-enabled computer, you'd be out of luck getting online.

But Sprint's new "dual-mode" USB plug-in device allows XOHM-ers to connect to both of Sprint's data networks: the WiMAX one, which only operates in the Baltimore area, and its 3G (CDMA-based) network. Hit the jump for more details and pricing.

Continue reading "WiMAX Watch: Sprint's New Device for Tapping WiMAX and 3G" »

Posted by Gus Sentementes at 1:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: WiMAX Watch
        

With the world watching, Sprint Nextel launched its next-generation mobile Internet network in Baltimore, of all places, in late September/early October. It was called XOHM.

Checking my email inbox this morning, I learned that XOHM will soon be no more. (Now don't start hyperventilating yet. Read on.)

Instead, following a multi-billion-dollar deal announced back in May, Sprint finally spun off its XOHM division to Clearwire, a Kirkland, Wash., company whose sole goal is to build out a new wireless data network that Sprint, in part, started work on.

Clearwire said it will replace the XOHM brand name with "Clear" in "the coming months," according to the press release. It said it "expects current XOHM customers will not experience any impact as a result of the transaction, and they will continue to enjoy the current benefits of various notebook computing, portable media and Internet devices, service plans and features."

Here's hoping the transition goes off without a hitch. For all you early adopters in Baltimore who've tried XOHM -- er, soon-to-be Clear -- what are your impressions of it so far?

Posted by Gus Sentementes at 11:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Computers, Technology, WiMAX Watch
        

I cruised around Baltimore this past weekend with a new Lenovo laptop (the ThinkPad X310), which I used in my first independent test of Sprint's new XOHM network. (See part 1 from earlier today.) Here are some more of my impressions of Sprint's new way to get online in Charm City:

Sunday, 10:20 a.m., Lake Montebello, Northeast Baltimore: One of my favorite spots in the city. You'll see people jogging, biking, rollerblading, waxing their cars and playing musical instruments here on a nice day. I pulled out a camper chair, sat under a tree, and fired up the Lenovo. It picked up the WiMAX signal at 70 percent strength, which offered very good performance.

The speed test results: 3.246 megabits per second on the download; 1.906 megabits on the upload -- more than enough to watch high-quality online video. The strong connection passed my own video test: I was able to watch a show on Hulu.com and another on Amazon.com, plus do additional Web surfing. Mobile broadband while chillin' at Lake Montebello? Very cool.

Sunday, 11:10 a.m., the Pagoda at Patterson Park, Southeast Baltimore: While sitting on the steps of the pagoda, I used the Lenovo to pick up several public Wi-Fi networks, plus XOHM -- a connection that was again at 70 percent strength. Speedtest.net showed me how fast the connection moved: 3.068 megabits per second on the download, 2.112 megabits on the download.

Huh? The upload speed got faster? That's interesting.

Continue reading "WiMAX Watch: Our first test and review of WiMAX enabled Lenovo laptop (Part Two)" »

Posted by Gus Sentementes at 3:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Computers, Technology, WiMAX Watch
        

This past weekend, I got my first solo taste of Baltimore's new way to surf the Internet wirelessly -- with a Lenovo laptop that incorporates the new technology. The new network is called XOHM, and it's Sprint's wireless broadband network built specifically for heavy-duty Web surfing using WiMAX  technology. No, it's not a new cellphone network -- rather, it's more like a massive Wi-Fi hotspot covering most of Baltimore.

To use the network, you can either buy a $79.99 modem for your home or a $59.99 ExpressCard to plug in to your laptop. But if you're looking to buy a new laptop soon, there's a chance you might end up purchasing one that's WiMAX-ready. Lenovo introduced five laptops  last week that come with the new WiMAX chipset built in, and they sent us one to test. I played around with the ThinkPad X301, which is selling at a base price of $2,556.

I took it to some of my usual haunts around Baltimore, from the Waverly Farmer's Market to Patterson Park to Federal Hill. We're the first city in the country to get a taste of this next-generation network. So how does it rate? Hit the jump for my review.

Continue reading "WiMAX Watch: Our first test and review of WiMAX enabled Lenovo laptop" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 1:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Computers, Technology, WiMAX Watch
        

 I had two questions on my mind this week as Gus and I were covering XOHM Sprint Nextel's WiMAX launch at the Bond Street Wharf in Fells Point on Wednesday.

The first question was something that had our friend, Mario Armstrong, that digital dynamo who hosts tech shows on NPR and WYPR, scratching his head. And the second question is something my work spouse and resident tech guru, Gus, has been trying to find the answer for since we heard about WiMAX, which is like one big "hotspot" for wireless Internet connectivity.

Now, we realize the actual XOHM WiMAX launch happened on Sept. 29. But c'mon. The official launch on Wednesday was quite a big to-do. Filled with lots of top executives from Sprint, Nokia, Intel, Samsung and the like. They rented a $1.6 million house, water taxis, Kali's Court and more to show off their baby. It was a big event that attracted press from across the country. Lots of ubertechgeek eyeballs all trained on our great, big little city, Baltimore.

And yet --- Mario, please correct me if I am wrong since I didn't have time to hang around after the press conference -- I didn't spot a single high level politician anywhere in sight to support the event. Odd? Methinks so.

Continue reading "WiMAX Watch: Wherefore Art Thou, Apple?" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 7:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Cellular/Landline/Voice over Internet, Computers, Technology, WiMAX Watch
        

I don't really have a post to go with this. But I just thought this photo of a dude on a WiMAX equipped Segway (taken by my good friend and ultra-talented photographer Jed) was wicked cool.

Talk about being connected on the go. Imagine tooling around town on one of those with the Internet at your fingertips.

If I sound a little taken with the technology, it's because there were some really interesting things going on at XOHM Sprint Nextel's official WiMAX launch yesterday in Fells Point, as Gus told you yesterday.

Jed says the Segway guy is Keshab Lamichhane of Intel. The guy taking video of him is Matt Hamblen of the good folks over at Computerworld.

(Sun Photographer Jed Kirschbaum)

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 3:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Computers, Technology, WiMAX Watch
        

[That there photo to the right is a Lenovo X300. It's WiMAX ready. We meant to tell you yesterday about the WiMAX gadgets galore available to consumers now, but there weren't enough hours in the day. Without further ado, I'm turning this post over to Gus to tell you more. -- DD]

For now in Baltimore, there have been only two ways to get a taste of Sprint's new XOHM network -- a broadband system that's basically turning the city into one big "hotspot" for wireless Internet connectivity. You could buy a little plug-in device for your laptop at $59.99 -- or a home modem for $79.99 -- and then pick a service plan that suits you over at www.xohm.com.
 
But, at Sprint's big launch party for XOHM yesterday in Fells Point, we learned of several new laptops that will hit the market that will come with the WiMAX chipset already embedded inside. This means, if you buy one of these laptops from Lenovo, Acer, Asus or Toshiba, you won't need to also purchase the $59.99 plug-in device to tap into the Sprint's XOHM in Baltimore.

Continue reading "WiMAX Watch: New WiMAX Laptops Ready for Baltimore" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 12:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Complaints, Technology, WiMAX Watch
        

Continue reading "WiMAX Watch: WiMAX on the Inner Harbor" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 4:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Computers, Technology, WiMAX Watch
        

Continue reading "WiMAX Watch: Cutting the Cord" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 1:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Computers, Technology, WiMAX Watch
        

Live report from our roaming tech guru Gus -- DD:

Sprint's throwing a party right now in Fells Point, where they're formally kicking off the launch of their new wireless broadband network in Baltimore, known as XOHM. They're using it as an opportunity to announce some new products from computer makers, which consumers will be able to buy. For now, consumers with laptops can only tap the XOHM network in Baltimore by buying a plug-in device that catches the wireless signal.

But today, Lenovo, a major computer maker, is announcing that they'll "immediately" be selling a new lineup of their Thinkpad and Notebook PCs that are WiMAX-enabled. (Need a refresher in WiMAX? Here's the gist: Sprint's XOHM network is based on WiMAX technology, which -- in the simplest way of thinking about it -- is expected to cover the Baltimore area with wireless Internet connectivity. Sorta like the "hotspot" at your local coffee shop, but bigger.)

Continue reading "WiMAX Watch: Lenovo Adds WiMAX Capability to its Laptops" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 11:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Computers, Technology, WiMAX Watch
        

The following post is brought to you by Gus, dear readers. -- DD

By now, you may have heard about Sprint Nextel's new wireless broadband network called XOHM, which launched in Baltimore last week. It essentially offers you another option for getting online in Baltimore, either from home or from a wireless gadget, such as a laptop. With XOHM, Sprint is inviting you to cut the wires on all your gadgets, and go wireless at home and while on the go with their new network -- without committing to a long-term contract. (For pricing details, see www.xohm.com)

Here at Consuming Interests, we've been paying attention to the early reviews of XOHM, which is based on WiMAX technology and essentially turns the city into a big ol' wireless "hotspot." Check out the reviews we tracked down for you, for your consumer-researching pleasure.

Continue reading "WiMAX Watch: A review of the XOHM reviews" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 7:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: WiMAX Watch
        

Someone's going to start complaining about how I've always got Gus working overtime to bring you news (like his wife! I promise no more late assignments.)

But he was at it again last night in Fells Point where Sprint's Xohm is launching WiMAX. Here's Gus' report:

Don't be fooled by the low-powered three-wheeled vehicles that Sprint's using to demonstrate their new  high-speed broadband network, called XOHM. The carts are carrying demo wireless gadgets that the Sprint folks will let you play with down in Fells Point. And these gadgets actually move pretty fast on the Internet.

Sprint will be in the area of Bond Street Wharf till at least Wednesday, when they'll have a big bash that officially launches their new wireless Internet network in Baltimore.

Continue reading "WiMAX Watch: Go, Go Gadget" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 6:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Computers, Technology, WiMAX Watch
        

We're not the only ones checking out WiMAX. Reader ericb asked us a bunch of questions earlier this week. Sprint's answered them below:

I have a sprint mobile broadband plug-in device all ready -- and i'm locked into a contract. Can I get out of that contract if I make the switch to Xohm?

A: XOHM requires a new device for its WiMAX Network, but without contracts or cancellation penalties. The Sprint 3G device works on a more extensive network. As far as we know, you'll need to abide by the original Sprint contract. Sometime in the not overly distant future there should be a dual mode 3G/4G air card by Sprint which might give you the best of both worlds. Details, pricing and service plan remains to be seen.

Also, the Pick 2 plan, at $50/month, forever, seems very sweet. Can I buy the only two devices currently available and swap one out of the Pick 2 plan in the future if there's a new device I have to have?

Continue reading "WiMAX Watch: More answered questions about contracts and service" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 4:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: WiMAX Watch
        

We've been getting questions every day on XOHM and WiMAX, so Gus is trying to tackle one at a time. Reader Still Have Questions sent us this one the other day:

Can you explain how this is different from other broadband that is out there (those Verizon cards that you can purchase for your laptop, for example) and also how it differs from the trend of municipalities trying to provide free wi-fi around the city. Obviously, I am not very technically minded, so I am just looking for a basic explanation. Especially because this Sprint service seems to be really expensive.

The Answer:

Continue reading "WiMAX Watch: Is Sprint's new technology right for you?" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 4:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
Categories: Computers, Technology, WiMAX Watch
        

Thanks to Mario Armstrong , I learned yesterday around 5:30 p.m. that Computer Harbor, a computer store in Federal Hill, is one of the first places in Baltimore to offer the little plug-in device and the home modem that you can use to connect to Sprint's new WiMAX network. Here's a map of the store's location: (ed note: a Gus post, dear readers -- DD)

I called the store and spoke with Wendell Williams, a store manager, and he said they just got the devices in stock Monday. (Wow! Sprint launched the service the same day in Baltimore. Now that's some logistics planning. I thought it would be a little while longer before they went on sale in Charm City.) Williams said he's sure other stores in the area have them, he just didn't know which ones.)

Continue reading "WiMAX Watch: Buying the Devices That Bring You WiMAX" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 11:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Computers, Marketing/Advertising, Shopping, Technology, WiMAX Watch
        

In a recent interview, I posed some questions to Barry West, Sprint Nextel's chief technology officer (and head of their mobile wireless broadband network called XOHM about how their new network will handle heavy-duty Internet applications. As an example, we talked about how Skype , a popular free/cheap Internet-based telephone application would work on their new WiMAX network, which launched in Baltimore on Monday. (ed note: again, a la Gus -- DD)

Imagine having a little smart phone that you don't have to buy a cell phone plan for -- and you can just use Skype? What would that mean for Sprint's new XOHM network? Could it handle all that voice and video traffic? (You can do video chats via Skype, too.)

So West talked a little about how Sprint will manage high-bandwith users, and how the network they've built will emphasize dedicating their resources to making sure that video and audio is transmitted clearly. But, there's a little catch. If high-bandwith users (i.e. Skype, the company) want their applications to run super-smooth, they might need to pay Sprint a little bit more money to guarantee limited interruptions. Of course, many companies will end up passing such costs on down to the consumer.

Continue reading "WiMAX Watch: Listen to Sprint CTO talk about high-bandwidth users" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 4:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cellular/Landline/Voice over Internet, Computers, Technology, WiMAX Watch
        

I spotted this van yesterday on N. Calvert Street, in downtown Baltimore, just south of the city Circuit Courthouse. Sprint and Intel have tricked out vans that can be seen spotted around the city in their marketing push to promote Sprint's new XOHM network, which is a next-generation wireless broadband network. (ed note: a la Gus -- DD) 

The network will support high-speed broadband access for desktop computers, laptops and other wireless devices that will start to hit the market in coming months. Intel is making the WiMAX chip that will soon be embedded in computers. Intel is just one of several companies that will be making WiMAX chips, which we expect to start turning up embedded in a lot of different electronic gadgets, not just computers.

Reader Bob asked this question yesterday:

Gus, I'd like to know about the security issues involved in WiMax. I think it's a great idea for fun stuff like web surfing, downloading videos, audio, etc, but what about those of us who conduct financial transactions (banking and buying things online with credit cards) over the internet. I've been doing this for over 10 years now and I NEVER use a wireless connection, even with encryption, for these transactions. A hard wired connection is a must for for me for security purposes. Any information you can provide regarding this issue while the trial is in town would be much appreciated.

Continue reading "WiMAX Watch: Security questions asked and answered" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 1:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Computers, Technology, WiMAX Watch
        

Just in case you think we're making a big to-do over nothing, get a load of just a miniscule fraction of the WiMax-is-here stories that hit the (cyber)pavement today, besides Gus' WiMax story, of course:

Here's the Associated Press' version on XOHM and WiMax.

InformationWeek picked up Gus' WiMax story and said: "The Baltimore launch is expected to be an important test bed for Sprint's planned partnership with Clearwire, which has been deploying fixed WiMax in various locations in the United States and globally. The new company will be called Clearwire, Sprint noted, adding that the combined company plans a nationwide WiMax network."

USA Today's WiMax story says: If Sprint can prove its WiMax case, consumers could win big, says Shahid Khan, a senior partner at IBB Consulting: "They'll have better services and better devices at better prices."

Here is InfoWorld's take on how well WiMax worked in a month-long test run.

The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) also says: Baltimore usually isn't considered a technology mecca. But many people in Silicon Valley, and other high-tech centers, will be watching closely to see what happens after Sprint Nextel Corp. flips the switch on a new wireless network Monday.

Engadget is asking readers how the WiMax launch is going in Baltimore.

See that, Baltimore? Doesn't that make you feel special? We're so geeky, we're cool.

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 4:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Computers, Technology, WiMAX Watch
        

Sprint Nextel Corp.today opened up its long-anticipated new wireless broadband network for public use here in Baltimore. They're calling it XOHM. The company says it'll be a fast, wireless way for people to surf the Web in the Baltimore area. Sprint's goal is to make the city one big "hotspot" -- much like what you'd find at your local coffee shop, but bigger. And faster. (ed note: This is all Gus, folks. Check out his Sprint launches WiMax in Baltimore story that ran today. -- DD)

You're probably wondering: how do I get a taste of it? And, just as important, is the pricing right for me?

If you were hoping for some instant gratification today, it ain't likely to happen -- unless you're one of several lucky "testers" in the Baltimore market. In the past several weeks, Sprint's given an unknown number of free computers to these testers and is relying on them for early feedback. (Sorry -- no more free computers left, a Sprint spokesman told me last week. The tester program was "oversubscribed," he said. I bet!)

Continue reading "WiMAX Watch: XOHM Open For Business Today in Baltimore" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 11:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Computers, Technology, WiMAX Watch
        

I've been secretly hoping Gus, my work spouse and new media tech whiz, would share his vast knowledge with the blog gang (because, really, I can't get him to stop telling me stuff at work). But, I've never outright asked him to do it formally for Consuming Interests because he's a busy, busy man.

And yet, all that psychic nudging must have worked because all on his own, Gus volunteered to head up WiMax Watch, a new category we're launching today to tell you about the very cool new thing that Sprint is doing right here in our cool little city.

I'm stoked about WiMax Watch so here's hoping you will be, too. I'm turning this post over to Gus now:

Tech geeks from all over the world will be focused next week on Baltimore, where Sprint is expected to announce the debut of their new wireless broadband network by Tuesday.

That's right, folks: It seems Baltimore's first in line for the roll-out of Sprint's XOHM network. Not New York City. Not Chicago. Not San Francisco. Good ol' Charm City will be the one to kick the tires of Sprint's new "fourth generation" (4G) wireless broadband network, which the company says is built specifically for heavy-duty wireless Web surfing.

Continue reading "WiMax Watch: Just Days Away From Citywide Hotspot" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 4:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
Categories: Cellular/Landline/Voice over Internet, Technology, WiMAX Watch