Fujitsu has selected Sierra Wireless to provide 3G mobile broadband for several models in its Lifebook series of notebooks and tablets.
Fujitsu Lifebook customers with integrated Sierra embedded modules can access the internet from wherever they are by subscribing to a wireless data service plan. With embedded mobile broadband capability, they no longer need to spend time searching for and accessing Wifi hotspots.
The Lifebook platforms use the Sierra Airprime MC8305 and MC8355 embedded wireless modules. They are based on the Gobi 3000 reference design by Qualcomm.
The MC8305 is a single-mode HSPA module, and the MC8355 a dual-mode version, with support for both HSPA and CDMA networks. Both modules have download speeds of up to 14.4Mbit/s and uploads of up to 5.76Mbit/s. They let device manufacturers take advantage of high speed mobile networks, embedded GPS capabilities and a Gobi application programming interface.
“We have been collaborating with Sierra Wireless for several years now, and we have built the industry’s broadest portfolio of mobile computers with integrated 3G connectivity,” said Dieter Heiss, senior director of workplace systems at Fujitsu Technology. “Integrated mobile broadband offers a lot of value to our customers by simplifying their daily lives and freeing valuable time from their busy schedules. Working with Sierra Wireless offers us similar value, by simplifying the wireless integration process for each new generation of products and helping us meet our launch schedules.”
In addition to the modules, Sierra provided professional services to Fujitsu, including integration, testing and certification support. Lifebook models with the integrated modules also come with Sierra’s Watcher software pre-installed, providing an intuitive user interface to manage the wireless connection and features such as the GPS connection for location-based information.
“Fujitsu’s commitment to providing integrated mobile broadband in such a wide variety of devices is indicative of how necessary and useful we all find our online connections,” said Dan Schieler, senior vice president and general manager of mobile computing for Sierra Wireless.
“We are excited to extend our work with Fujitsu into the next generation of the Lifebook series, providing high-quality, reliable connectivity for their customers.”
