In an attempt to make its sub-compact CloudBook stand out in a crowd of similar-spec Asus Eee clones, Everex has taken the notebook to the next level of connectivity by adding built-in WiMax support. The new CloudBook Max, announced Tuesday, will connect up with Sprint’s upcoming Xohm network, offering wireless Internet access far beyond the average Wi-Fi hotspot.
“Consumers and mobile workers want to experience the real Internet and all their favorite applications with the same high speed and full functionality whether at their desk or on the go,” said Richard Brown, VIA Technologies’ vice president of marketing, in a statement. “The new Everex CloudBook Max paves the way for truly seamless computing whatever your location.”
Besides the notebook’s integrated WiMax chip, it also gets a standard 802.11b/g radio for Wi-Fi, as well as integrated Bluetooth and a GPS receiver. As upgrades from its non-WiMax sibling, the Max receives a 1.6GHz VIA C7 ULV processor, 1GB of DDR2 533MHz RAM and an 80GB hard drive for storage. Screen size will also jump from 7 to 8.9 inches.
Availability for the machine is still foggy: Everex’s Web site claims it will be available in the second half of 2008, while the product press release speculates it will be more like a year. Pricing has also gone unannounced.
Sprint claims the Xohm network will offer wireless Internet access at speeds that rival cable when it launches sometime in April. Although Chicago, Baltimore and Washington D.C. have been confirmed as the first cities to get Xohm access, AT&T has yet to announce how much the service will actually cost.
