Install wireless NICs in the notebooks, and the systems are complete. This is all very workable but complex enough to discourage the masses. The second stage involves a tighter integration of components. First, router functionality is built into the wireless access point, and the integrated device is repositioned as a consumer appliance priced at a few hundred dollars. Broadband-service providers bundle these products to sell more services and may eventually integrate 802.11b directly into their access devices.
Integration can be good if it reduces complexity.
The next stage is the integration of the wireless network with other home information and entertainment services. Integrating telephony services into the home wireless network has obvious appeal. Convergence of wireless video services is even more interesting. That's exactly what Sony delivers with its new Airboard product, now available in Japan. As exciting as these developments are, however, they are still limited.