Qualcomm, a major phone chip producer, unveiled a mini-laptop that could offer quick wireless access to the Internet via 3G (third generation) mobile telecommunications networks. The mini-laptop, which is made by Inventec and would cost around $299, is making news because of its small size and ability to connect to 3G mobile phone networks. This particular model runs on Linux OS; however, Windows fans can rest assured knowing a version with Microsoft Windows Mobile 7 should be available soon. To read more about innovations in the mini-laptop market, check out "Qualcomm Says Windows Mobile 7 Key for Mini-laptops" in PC World.

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a case involving "unlocking" cell phones. A group of lawyers representing California cell phone customers accused T-Mobile and AT&T, two major cell carriers, of unfair business practices because they locked their phones to service plans. By refusing to hear the case, the U.S. Supreme Court let stand a previous decision by the California Supreme Court that would permit lawsuits against the cell phone carriers. Previously, Verizon and Sprint agreed to provide customers with the software needed to unlock their phones once their original contract has ended. The debate on this issue shifted in favor of consumers last year, when Librarian of Congress James H. Billington listed cell phone unlocking as one of six new exemptions to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, or DMCA. And, with last year's much-anticipated launch of Apple's iPhone - and widespread frustration over the phone's exclusive link to AT&T - this issue has certainly grown in the public dialogue.

If you've often looked at your cable box as just another piece of clutter collecting dust, you might be happy to hear that an innovation by Sony may make this set-top box obsolete. Sony has signed an agreement with the National Cable and Telecommunications Association to provide box-free "two-way" cable services, including pay-per-view movies. The NCTA includes the nation's six largest cable companies, which service more than 82 percent of cable subscribers: Comcast Corp., Time Warner Cable Inc., Cox Communications Inc., Charter Communications Inc., Cablevision Systems Corp. and Bright House Networks. To read more about this innovation, check out "Agreement May Mean End of Cable Set-Top Boxes" in Wired.

Since launching WEBbeams six years ago, we've met a wide array of Wi-Fi users. Some of you log on occasionally when you're traveling, while others put your monthly subscription to work nearly every day. We're glad to be a part of your life, whether we're helping you finish those end-of-term college essays, keep in touch with friends and family, or conduct business as usual. And, we're always looking for more ways to make your life convenient: by expanding into even more communities and cafes. Help us spread the WEBbeams nationwide community of hotspots, and we'll all benefit. Independent coffeeshops can be a part of something bigger, sharing not just Wi-Fi but also advertising opportunities. You'll have more places to log on - and you can take advantage of our loyalty program. If a cafe signs up and mentions your name, we'll give you two months free WEBbeams: whether you're a hotspot owner or a Wi-Fi user.