Some notebook computers have replaceable Wi-Fi cards that you can swap out to get the best wireless performance possible but what Qualcomm has introduced is even better. With the company’s M.2 Snapdragon X65 and Snapdragon X62 5G modem reference designs, upgrading your laptop computer’s wireless chip will be a walk in the park.
Plugging in an M.2 5G modem will be just the same as plugging in an M.2 SSD. Also, both these Snapdragon X65 and Snapdragon X62 support both sub-6GHz and mmWave bands, so network compatibility is not going to be an issue. What will be an issue is the notebook maker authorizing proper antenna design. In short, just because you have an empty M.2 slot available in your computer, it does not mean adding an M.2 5G modem will immediately make the notebook 5G ready. That will be up to the notebook manufacturer.
Durga Malladi, who is the senior vice president and general manager of Qualcomm says these reference design modems will expand services beyond giving smartphone access to blazing-fast connectivity.
Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon X65 and Snapdragon X62 M.2 reference designs are available now, so we will see how many of the company’s partners actually proceed to give customers this choice. With 5G slowly being adopted in multiple regions, it is high time leading laptop manufacturers take these designs seriously.
