In today’s “instant everything” world, expectations exist for everything from fast food to a fast car wash to a fast lane on the freeway with no delays and no slow drivers. And, of course, computers are no exception to these expectations. In fact, computers might have the most expectations placed on them relevant to the need for speed – and always-on connectivity. Accordingly, MontaVista Software, Inc. and Dell have joined forces, with the former providing its an integrated software stack to facilitate the latter’s “Latitude ON” always-on, instant connectivity to the Web, email, calendar, and contacts.
Dell’s Latitude ON instant connectivity concept – brought to life in its Latitude E4300, E4200, and Z laptop models measuring 13″, 12″, and 16″ respectively – is accomplished courtesy of MontaVista’s Montabello MID-based platform. The platform provides fast startup (instant resume occurs in less than one second) and advanced power management for Latitude ON’s multi-day, battery-powered, instant-on connectivity. Latitude ON is facilitated by MontaVista’s flavor of the Linux OS, in addition to an ARM processor. Latutide ON offers seamless roaming on 3G and Wi-FI networks courtesy of fully integrated Bluetooth plus Auto VPN. Another perk: The platform enables reading of .pdf, .ppt, .doc, and .xls formats. Instantly connected … fast boot … always ON connectivity … certainly this emerging consumer technology could also benefit troops in the modern battlefield as well.