Clearwire's WiMax deployment is still in its early stages, but Dell has formally unveiled WiMax 4G connectivity options for its Studio 17 and Studio XPS 16 notebooks. Clearwire is still in the early stages of lighting up its promised nationwide WiMax network—currently Portland and Baltimore are online, with the company promising eight additional markets will come online during 2009.

Computer maker Dell seems to believe WiMax will have some momentum: the company has announced WiMax connectivity options for two of its notebooks—the Studio 17 and Studio XPS 16—as a $60 upgrade. The add-on combines 802.11n and WiMax networking, so buyers don't have to sacrifice Wi-Fi connectivity for WiMax.

Dell also says it is looking at offering Long Term Evolution (LTE) connectivity in notebooks. LTE is a technology that will eventually compete with WiMax for 4G wireless broadband connectivity; the United States' digital television shutoff (currently scheduled for June 12 will free up frequencies that Verizon, AT&T, and other operators plan to eventually use to roll out nationwide LTE service.

In theory, Clearwire and Sprint have a head start on LTE because they already have WiMax on the ground and operating…but unless WiMax can develop a larger footprint (and a solid customer base) before LTE starts to roll out, WiMax's head start might not translate into a real-world victory.