Intel has announced the first laptops packing 5G mobile connectivity will arrive in the second half of 2019.
Windows machines from Dell, HP and Lenovo models will include the new Intel XMM 8000 series commercial 5G modems.
In a press release, Intel said these will be the first high-performing 5G-connected PCs.
Attendees at next week’s Mobile World Congress will get a sneak peak at a 2-in-1 laptop powered by an 8th-Gen Intel Core i5 processor, connected to an early 5G modem.
Related: What is 5G?
“Intel will showcase the power of 5G on a PC by livestreaming video over the 5G network,” the company says.
“This concept is one of many stepping stones for moving the industry forward in what’s possible for 5G-enabled PCs.”
Intel is saying the PC will become a “central hub” for processing incredible amounts of data, once 5G is available.
It cites examples like the ability to download a 250MB file while sitting in the car before a meeting, or to play high-end online multiplayer video games during the morning commute… in an autonomous vehicle of course.
Intel’s move comes as the smartphone industry ramps up its efforts to get 5G infrastructure up and running.
Qualcomm has signed on dozens of manufacturers to support its 5G-capable Snapdragon X50 modem.
Asus, HMD Global (parent company of the Nokia brand), HTC, LG, OPPO (the owner of OnePlus), Sony, Xiaomi and ZTE have all signed on.
In the United States, the AT&T carrier has revealed which cities will be first to get 5G speeds, while UK regulator Ofcom is moving ahead with the first 5G spectrum auction after seeing off legal challenges over the bidding rules.
Would a 5G laptop be a priority for you? Or is Intel reaching with how vital the tech will be, considering 4G-capable laptops aren’t deemed that important? Drop us a line @TrustedReviews on Twitter.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.