News.blog: Two laptops approved for Wireless USB

It's taken long enough, but they're here: the first computers that can make USB connections sans cables.

Dell's Inspiron 1720 laptop and Lenovo's ThinkPad T61 and T61p models are the first PCs to receive certification for the standard, the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) announced on Monday. Texas-based WiQuest Communications makes the Wireless USB chipset in both laptops.

The Thinkpad can be ordered now for $1,814 (UK pricing has not yet been announced). The Inspiron laptop will not ship until late summer or early autumn and pricing is not yet available, according to Dell spokeswoman Anne Camden. She said Dell does expect more of its laptop models to be Wireless USB-capable in the future.

Wireless USB will enable peripherals like printers, cameras, mice and hard drives to connect to a PC without a USB cable from distances of up to 5m to 8m. As Wireless USB is just beginning to be rolled out for consumers, Wireless USB hubs will be required to connect PCs and peripherals at first. Last week, Belkin announced the first such products. Expect more adaptors and hubs to be announced in the coming weeks.