Some computers can receive wireless telephone transmissions, and some telephones can function as computers. Estonia has the highest percentage of wireless users on the globe, with the U.S. a mere tenth. The slow convergence to wireless in the U.S. is tied to competing standards, low bandwidth, lack of security, and uneven coverage. In addition to wireless telephones is wireless computing computing which too lacks standards and consistent coverage, and entails technical barriers and corporate greed. The wireless, versus the historical impact of the PC, has yet to show a significant impact on the global economy.
Wireless technology uses light or radio waves instead of copper wire or cable.
Wireless includes cell phones, pagers, palm organizers, and pen sized portables. MP3 players download, convert, and listen to a personally customized mix of music. Friends send short e mail messages by keypad or mini keyboard. Teens use instant Internet access sites for games, talking to computers, and simply going online. A veteran English teacher at Pennsylvania s Latrobe Junior High, Esther Howard uses a laptop as a command central for her English classes.