The company said that the higher speeds can more easily support such bandwidth-hogging activities as multi-user and graphic-intensive gaming, high-definition video streaming and downloading large files.

The Dell Wireless 1500 Draft 802.11n dual-band wireless card, made by Broadcom, will be available for all of its XPS mobile systems and selected Inspiron notebooks. It can offer speeds up to 270 megabits per second (mbps), when connected to a wireless draft 802.11n network router using Intensi-fi technology.

The current most popular Wi-Fi wireless standard, 802.11g, provides speeds up to 54 mbps. The new 1500 card provides backward compatibility, supporting 802.11g, as well as 802.11a and 802.11b. It will be priced at $59.

Not Yet Formal

The 802.11n, not yet adopted as a formal spec, offers not only faster speeds but a greater range than a, b or g. An advanced antenna system manages multiple, simultaneous data streams, a process known as Multi-Input, Multi-Output or MIMO.

Some observers have questioned whether it is a good idea to offer a wireless technology that has not yet received full approval by IEEE, the technical standards organization. There might still be unresolved issues, and the draft 802.11n spec might not be compatible with the final, approved version. However, Broadcom similarly provided 802.11g before that standard had reached final approval, and that aggressive strategy allowed it to become a market leader.

In a statement, Dell admitted that it "cannot guarantee upgradeability to the final standard."

Solves Range Problems

Avi Greengart, an analyst with technology research firm Current Analysis, said that the wireless card based on the "pre-N" standard might be useful for some people.

"I invested in a pre-N solution a couple of years ago," he said. "My house was built in 1929 and has plaster over wire mesh--the worst setting for wireless. But pre-N works. It solves range problems that consumers generally have."

"It would be one thing if they were charging a small fortune, but they're not," he added. "Dell's decision is certainly a vote of confidence in the technology."

Dell Network Assistant

Dell has also taken the wraps off a new software utility, the Dell Network Assistant. The company said the utility will help to simplify setup and management of wireless networks, and will come pre-installed on new XPS systems, Inspiron notebooks, Dimension desktops and some Dell Precision workstations.

The utility, from SingleClick Systems, provides setup wizards for various common functions, such as printing or connecting to home networks.

The Network Assistant will provide full features for 90 days, and then basic features only unless the user pays $39 for full use over the life of the system.