Patent ID: 7287162
Filing Date: 2007-10-23
Classification: G06F,G06Q

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: in a portable data device, checking a wireless network card for a stored platform discrimination indication, the platform discrimination indication dependent upon a wireless data transfer capacity of the portable data device; and depending on a value of the platform discrimination indication, inhibiting or allowing data transfer, across a wireless network, using the wireless network card, one value of the platform discrimination indication allowing the wireless network card to be used with a restricted set of portable data device types, another value of the platform discrimination indication allowing the use of the wireless network card with an expanded set of portable data device types, the expanded set of portable data devices including the restricted set of portable data devices as well as additional portable data devices not included in the restricted set of portable data devices wherein the restricted set of portable data devices includes a personal digital assistant but does not include notebook computers; said additional portable data devices comprising said notebook computers; and wherein said platform discrimination indication capable of being upgraded from restricted set of portable data devices to expanded set.