Generally speaking, there are no special requirements for using GSM data that restrict your choice from the vast offerings of notebook PCs that are Intel Pentium® processor-based. You are therefore free to make your selection based primarily on features such as price, performance, brand preference, or which models are supported by your corporate IT. However, here are things to consider when making a purchase:

• The notebook should include a PC Card (formerly called PCMCIA) or CardBus slot. This is what enables you to use a GSM Data Card, and is a standard feature on most notebooks.
• The notebook should have Windows* 95 installed, since this operating system has special features designed for travelling professionals, such as Plug n' Play, OS-level modem support, Dial-Up Networking, and built-in fax support, that make it easier to connect to the Internet and send faxes. If the notebook is unavailable with Windows 95, then either consult with the manufacturer for its compatibility with Windows 95, or consider other models. If you would like to use Windows NT*, you can, but will not presently benefit from Plug n' Play or OS-level power-management support that is important for notebooks.
• Most major notebook manufacturers have already compatibility-tested their products with a number of GSM data cards, and in many cases either publish a "compatible" list or market GSM data cards under their own brand name.
• Look for notebook PCs that are bundled with a GSM data card and phone. This not only assures compatibility, but may also offer a reduced price compared to buying the individual components.

Click here for information on the performance enhancements of Intel® Pentium® II processor-based mobile PC's.

To help in your selection, the following table links you to the Notebook PC pages of some of the major PC manufacturers. The second column provide links to any references by the manufacturer to GSM PC cards, to help you select for compatibility.

Notebook Manufacturer (Click to link to mobile page)	Reference to GSM PC Cards Recommended by Manufacturer
AST
Compaq	Compaq PC Card Solutions List
Dell	Accessories
Hewlett Packard	Accessories
IBM	Accessories
Olivetti
Siemens Nixdorf	Data Communication via the Mobile Phone Network
Toshiba	Modem technology

Selecting a GSM Handset

If you already own a GSM handset, and it supports data transfers at 9.6 Kbps, then your next task is to choose a GSM data card that works with your handset. Use the tables below to help determine if your phone is data-compatible, and supports a 9.6 Kbps data rate.

Otherwise, it is best to shop for your handset, data card, and GSM network together, since this will assure compatibility among the handset, data card, and network, and you may benefit from bundling discounts.

You can buy your phone at any store but you might get a discount if you buy your phone with GSM Service. Typically, there are two or three GSM operators in each country. For each of these operators, there may be several service providers who sell GSM services. After signing up for GSM service, you will receive a Subscriber Information Module or SIM.

SIMs are small cards which must be placed into GSM phones. These register the user with the GSM network and allow calls to be routed to your location. You will receive a SIM card when you register with a GSM service provider. Make sure when you contact your service provider that you tell them you will be using your GSM service for data and fax transmissions. Also, if you would like other people to be able to make fax or data calls to your mobile PC, you will have to relay this information to your service provider. They will then issue you a separate number for your fax and data lines.

Selecting a GSM data card

The final piece of hardware you need is a GSM data card. These are credit-card shaped devices that plug into your PC Card or CardBus slots on your computer. An external cable is used to connect the card with the GSM Phone. Since there is no standard interface between a GSM phone and data card, data cards are designed to work with specific phones.

For data cards that work with more than one model of phone, there are usually different adapter or kit options available for the different phones. For these reasons, it's a good idea to purchase the phone and data card together. If you already own a phone, then consult with the dealer or phone manufacturer to make sure you get the right modem and adapter. Remember, you must pick a data card which is compatible with your phone!

Below is a selection of some of the GSM data cards on the market today.