HP today announced a worldwide initiative to supply all the kit for public Wireless LAN hot spots in airports, hotels, restaurants and the like.

The firm is to offer a complete set of hardware, software and services to organisations looking to roll out WLAN hot spots.

According to Analysys Consulting, the number of 802.11 wireless hot spots in public venues is predicted to grow to 41,000 and reach 21 million users over the next five years.

HP's infrastructure solutions combine design, implementation and management capabilities from HP Services, wireless applications and service-enablement and subscription software from key partners and a full range of HP server and access devices.

And not so coincidentally, HP has unveiled three new wireless-ready notebooks and a new line of iPAQ Pocket PCs.

HP's new wireless-ready notebooks include Compaq Evo, Compaq Presario and HP Pavilion models. The new Compaq Evo and Compaq Presario notebooks incorporate Compaq MultiPort, a wireless module integrated into the notebook.

The iPAQ Pocket PC H3900 series features a colour screen for easier viewing of pictures and text, a universal remote control for devices such as televisions and projectors and a secure digital input/output expansion slot for data storage and transfer. ®