A while back I wrote a GigaOm post (that never published, unfortunately) on netbook and cloud based computing, and discovered the amazing technology in Qualcomm’s Gobi chipset. At a high level, Gobi is a wireless LAN chipset that allows you to connect to different mobile broadband networks, namely EVDO and HSPA.

So, whether you have AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon mobile broadband service, Gobi can connect you to either of these networks for on-the-go computing. Some web workers might want to go in between services and Gobi will enable you to do this without having to carry around multiple USB cellular modems. This will also allow IT shops to rollout one laptop solution, without being locked in to a specific carrier for mobile broadband service.

The first Gobi-based notebooks I have seen are coming out from Panasonic in their ToughBook line. Very cool!

There have been laptops that have come out with wireless broadband on-board before, but they have used chipsets that are either AT&T or Verizon. The inclusion of Gobi will mean you can switch carriers without worry.

[via Working Anywhere]