The Rugged Notebooks Blog™

Now that we are closing out 2007, it’s time to have a look at the year ahead. Indeed, phones are starting to work more like computers. Take a look at the Nokia N 95 that has been available in Europe since Spring 2007, but is now being offered unlocked on the Nokia USA website. Conversely, rugged laptops are supporting more and more wireless voice and data capability, and can be used just about anywhere for telecommunications with a wireless service. The promise of broader network connectivity (and open access) is becoming a tantalizing reality.

Dual mode (3G + Plus Wi-Fi) cellular VoIP is also making strides. Envision new devices and services bundled with WiMAX, Wi-Fi mesh networks, unlocked phones, a possible third pipeline (as in a new wireless network via the 700MHz spectrum), and we have some interesting possibilities.

Here are just a few links for more VoIP and Cellular VoIP services to watch that are listed in no particular order: Mobivox, VoipStunt, BlasterPhone, Rebtel, EQO, Fring and Truphone. Believe it or not…this is just a partial list, and of course, they won’t all survive as viable services. There also is JAJAH, Click2Voice, Gizmocall, Skype, and MagicJack.

Couple any of these services with GrandCentral one number access and you have extensive mobile communication options with only a wireless rugged notebook. It even is possible to create your own private telephone network with Linux-based Asterisk.

This is an older video below, but it aptly shows the VoIP over cellular capability of Truphone. Do a search on Youtube for more recent Truphone and Fring videos, plus services like Jangl and Talkster. Now that Verizon and AT&T are on board with open networks (except for the Apple iPhone), we may see a domino effect thanks to the efforts of Google and the Open Handset Alliance.

Rugged Notebooks: Extreme Computers for Extreme Conditions™