Laptop capabilities are expanding
He says mobile users will need different types of laptops, depending on the tasks they need to perform while on the move. For example, salespeople will require a lightweight machine, but typically they are using basic applications such as accessing price lists and placing orders that do not require powerful processors.
At the other end of the scale are the power users, who are running more demanding applications and are looking for fast, high-performance processors, more memory and disk capacity, and extreme reliability. They will be using their laptops mainly in an office environment and occasionally take them home, he says.
Some power users also want to connect to the company network to communicate with other people online, send and receive e-mail and access and update information, says Slevin.
More wired and wireless connectivity features are incorporated in the latest laptops, he says.
“In the second half of this year we are incorporating wireless broadband connectivity in our corporate laptop models.”
This will allow users to connect to any cellular network in the world where there is GSM connectivity, he says.
All these new communication capabilities are increasing the need for security, and laptop manufacturers are responding to this, says Slevin.
He says most of the latest laptops have a feature that allows the device to be locked physically. In addition, software solutions are available that give off a signal if an unauthorised person tries to connect the laptop to the internet, and broadcasts the machine’s internet protocol address, which can be tracked from a corporate server.
Software solutions are available that provide a secure tunnel between the laptop and the corporate network when data is being transmitted, he says.
“A lot of the latest laptops incorporate this capability.”
He says this is especially important with wireless communication because it prevents outsiders from tapping into the user’s information.
Slevin says manufactures are including smartcard readers that enable users to identify and authenticate themselves with an access card. Some models have optional fingerprint scanners.
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