Best Buy to sell WiMAX-embedded laptops

WiMAX operator Clearwire Corp. said it plans to start offering laptops with embedded modems at Best Buy locations and online at bestbuy.com.
The devices, which include chips from Intel Corp., include the Dell Inspiron 14, Dell Inspiron 15, Dell Mini 10 and Toshiba Satellite M645. Availability will vary by location. People who sign up for a two-year service agreement are eligible for a $100 discount on selected devices.
“Embedding 4G technology into laptops and netbooks makes it easy for consumers to experience Clear’s super fast mobile Internet service on the latest devices,” said Mike Sievert, chief commercial officer for Clearwire. “The discounted summer and holiday pricing on Clear-ready laptops from Intel and available through Best Buy is another way Clearwire is working to meet the rapidly growing demand for true mobile broadband services in the U.S.”
While Clearwire has said it plans to offer a WiMAX-enabled handset sometime this year, the carrier is marketing its service as an alternative to DSL services and as such, the embedded laptops are part of its strategy. For its part, Intel wants to repeat its success in Wi-Fi chips in the WiMAX space.,