In July 2008 Intel released its Montevina platform, now formally named Centrino 2.The company expected shipments to reach 123 million units.

According to sources at notebooks makers, in 2008, Intel will push into WiMAX with plans to support the wireless technology in its Montevina and MID (mobile Internet device) platforms,

For Montevina platform, Intel develop two wireless modules which are Intel WiMAX/WiFi Link 5350 (code-named Echo Peak-P) and Intel WiMAX/WiFi Link 5150 (code-named Echo Peak-V).

They were wireless network adapter that operates in the 2.5GHz spectrum for WiMAX and 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz spectra for WiFi. These integrated module embedded in new Intel® Centrino® 2 processor technology notebooks provides flexible and convenient connectivity to both WiFi and WiMAX networks to enhance today’s mobile lifestyle.

The top-of-the-line Intel WiMax/Wi-Fi Link 5350 module costs $54. It has a 3×3 multi-antennae array. That’s three transmit and three pick-up antennae.

The cheaper one is Intel WiMAX/Wi-Fi Link 5150 designed in two version which are Minicard (MC) and Half-mini card version (HMC). The price for 5150 range between $43-44.It can only connect to a 1×2 array,one transmit and two pick-ups antenna.

Why half-minicard version ? The reason was an increasing market pressure to integrate more and more wireless radio functionality into thinner and lighter notebook designs.

Starting in December 2005, the PCI-SIG Mini Working Group (WG) initiated the development of a specification for what would ultimately come to be known as the Half-Mini Card.The goal was to potentially get two smaller cards in the space of the one larger card while retaining interface and socket connector compatibility across the two card types

Congratulation for Intel who has Intel WiMAX/WiFi Link 5150 MC and HMC version get certified from WiMAX Forum. Half-mini card (HMC) version get certified on 4 December 2008 with Certification Number: 01-0000000067. Mini card ( MC) version get certified on 10 December 2008 with Certification Number: 01-0000000072.

As we know now only Intel WiMAX/WiFi Link 5350 is available on the market. Several notebook makers such as Acer , ASUS , Lenovo , Toshiba and  Apricot , already released the WiMAX version for their notebook line up.

The 5350 should get you superior wireless reception. That’s not to say the 5150 won’t perform well, only that the 5350 will perform better.But 5150 will cost you cheaper price around $10.

So make sure you check the spec of the WiMax laptop you plan to buy, and don’t assume all Intel WiMax/Wi-Fi Link modules are created equal.

Thanks to Intel who develop Intel WiMAX/WiFi Link 5150 Half-mini card version, so there will be more room for manufacturer to design thinner and lighter notebook and netbook.

Later on we will see more notebook and netbook with Intel WiMAX/Wi-Fi Link 5150 release to the market. Surely it will give us more choices in term of price and size of products.

UPDATE : You can own Intel® WiMAX WiFi Link 5150 ( Mini Card ) on sale for $59.99.

WiMAX Forum , Digitimes Via regHardware

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