Lenovo, the world’s No. 2 PC manufacturer, is giving laptop users another option for mobile broadband access when they are away from the office, home or can’t access a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Teaming with Texas-based Macheen, Lenovo is rolling out what it calls “Lenovo Mobile Access.”
Macheen offers Internet access through a “cloud” computing based platform and in agreement with wholesale wireless broadband network providers.
The ability to connect to the service is pre-loaded onto some Lenovo ThinkPad Classic and ThinkPade Edge laptops that also have a 3G wireless module.
No contracts are required. Service can be purchased in a variety of packages.
Mobile Access is available in the U.S. and across much of Europe.
Macheen describes its service this way:
“Our comprehensive, end-to-end solution is built on a unique cloud-based services platform and a set of network partners across multiple countries and continents. Our service offering includes mobile broadband connectivity and support for new content business models.
“[It] enables new business models for always connected laptops, tablets, e-readers and other consumer electronics devices. The white-label solution [such as Lenovo’s] can be customized to best fit its partners’ device, content and service models, whether designed for general consumers, corporate end-users or specialized vertical markets such as tablets in education or healthcare. Backed by a global set of network operator relationships, Macheen manages the entire process, including payments, settlements and customer service, leaving device partners free to focus on new content or service offerings that turn their devices into recurring revenue opportunities with constantly-connected customers.”
Lenovo says it added the service to enable mobile users to get online wherever and whenever necessary.
“We live in world where it’s not only undesirable to be without online access, it’s often disruptive to businesses. For that reason we wanted to create a flexible mobile broadband solution that would be unparalleled in its ability to help business users stay connected and working,” said Dilip Bhatia, vice president and general manager of Lenovo’s ThinkPad Business Unit. “Fundamentally, Lenovo Mobile Access gives individual and corporate customers options to determine how, when and where they want to connect with online applications and services, all at a price that fits their budget.”
Prices for a “Time Pass” range from $1.95 for 30 minutes to $8.95 for a day or monthly plans based on gigabyte usage.
[LENOVO ARCHIVE: Check out years of Lenovo stories as reported in WRAL Tech Wire.]
