Why no built-in cellular connectivity?

slartib · 03:19 PM

I ordered my first MBA in January 2008 and my second last April (with hindsight, I should have waited 1.5 months until the last release, but this is another story). I love this machine because of its form. I disliked the MBPs because they are thick and have a useless optical drive. I like the new rMBP because it became almost as thin as the MBA by getting rid of the optical drive. I am tempted by a rMBP because I do some GPGPU programming with CUDA and it would be nice to have an nVIDIA GPU on my laptop (it will become a tough choice if a 13" rMBP with an nVIDIA GPU will come out, but this is yet another story).

However, what I would need much more on an everyday basis is built-in cellular connectivity, since I am often travelling, especially by train (I am based in Europe). I work around this lack using a Huawei LTE USB stick or my iPhone 4S (sadly without LTE), but it is not the maximum of comfort. I have been wondering since 2008 why cellular connectivity is not included in an ultraportable machine like the MBA that has been stressing wireless to the point of disposing of an ethernet port. I have been wondering even more since cellular connectivity came with the iPad. Now yet another new MacBook has been released, the rMBP, without built-in cellular connectivity. Why? Does this mean there is a decided Apple policy to leave this feature away from MacBooks? Or is it just a matter of time until it won't be offered just with the iPad?

Wokis · Aug 4, 2012, 03:23 PM

Wonder if one could make a cellular SD-card, or if that's just beyond the functionality of the protocol/port/connector/space.

In the MBA it'd "have to be" even smaller than a standard card since the slot isn't deep enough to fit an entire card.

slartib · Aug 4, 2012, 04:41 PM

This would be a workaround too, not a built-in feature. Moreover I doubt it would work because I guess that GSM/UMTS/LTE need a different antenna than WLAN or Bluetooth.

WesCole · Aug 4, 2012, 04:45 PM

My guess would be price. If it included a cellular antenna, it would probably be at least $100 more. That, and I am not sure they even have space to put one in the Air without causing excess heat/battery draw.

I guess they could treat the Airs like iPads and have a WiFi only model and a 4G model.

GREEN4U · Aug 4, 2012, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slartib

I ordered my first MBA in January 2008 and my second last April (with hindsight, I should have waited 1.5 months until the last release, but this is another story). I love this machine because of its form. I disliked the MBPs because they are thick and have a useless optical drive. I like the new rMBP because it became almost as thin as the MBA by getting rid of the optical drive. I am tempted by a rMBP because I do some GPGPU programming with CUDA and it would be nice to have an nVIDIA GPU on my laptop (it will become a tough choice if a 13" rMBP with an nVIDIA GPU will come out, but this is yet another story).

However, what I would need much more on an everyday basis is built-in cellular connectivity, since I am often travelling, especially by train (I am based in Europe). I work around this lack using a Huawei LTE USB stick or my iPhone 4S (sadly without LTE), but it is not the maximum of comfort. I have been wondering since 2008 why cellular connectivity is not included in an ultraportable machine like the MBA that has been stressing wireless to the point of disposing of an ethernet port. I have been wondering even more since cellular connectivity came with the iPad. Now yet another new MacBook has been released, the rMBP, without built-in cellular connectivity. Why? Does this mean there is a decided Apple policy to leave this feature away from MacBooks? Or is it just a matter of time until it won't be offered just with the iPad?

Most users don't need built-in cellular connectivity. Apple wouldn't build/include a feature that very few of its customers need. It's as simple as that.

dkersten · Aug 4, 2012, 05:00 PM

I would have to wonder the affect on battery life. I'm not sure what the battery drain would be but the 11in for sure doesn't have any extra life to spare

Capt Underpants · Aug 4, 2012, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GREEN4U

Most users don't need built-in cellular connectivity. Apple wouldn't build/include a feature that very few of its customers need. It's as simple as that.

It's not that most users don't need it. It's that Apple would prefer that they buy an iPad if they need cellular connectivity.

hwojtek · Aug 4, 2012, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GREEN4U

Most users don't need built-in cellular connectivity. Apple wouldn't build/include a feature that very few of its customers need. It's as simple as that.

Yeah, which is the reason the majority of iPads sold are the 3G or LTE versions.

njp · Aug 4, 2012, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slartib

I have been wondering since 2008 why cellular connectivity is not included in an ultraportable machine like the MBA that has been stressing wireless to the point of disposing of an ethernet port.

Niche market.

You have an iPhone, just use that for connectivity. It's not that much of a hassle.

maril1111 · Aug 4, 2012, 05:44 PM

I am guessing because of the form factor as it wouldn't look as streamlined anymore or be heavier or some other excuse but probably wont happen

Stetrain · Aug 4, 2012, 05:49 PM

I think probably because of the current complexity of offering such a feature. The iPad has to have two versions, an AT&T-compatible version and a Verizon-compatible version. Those two then don't work on many of the LTE bands outside of the US.

If they could use a single chip and cover the majority of 3G/LTE bands worldwide it might be worth it.

mj1108 · Aug 4, 2012, 06:46 PM

I just tether mine to my phone on 4G and it works great.

plucky duck · Aug 4, 2012, 07:02 PM

Tethering my iPad/Air to my Galaxy Nexus works great, it's really an unnecessary expense and doesn't make much sense for either party.

Battery life on the 11" already isn't great, I wouldn't want to add on additional things that'll become even more of a drain on battery.

polotska · Aug 4, 2012, 07:28 PM

Not having this option has been a long frustration of mine, but I seem to be in the minority.

KPOM · Aug 4, 2012, 08:00 PM

Most Ultrabooks lack cellular connectivity (not just the MacBook Air). Between smartphones and tablets, Mi-Fis and similar devices, lots of people already have multiple data plans, and I'm guessing that the true market for a cellular-equipped notebook is relatively small.

bembol · Aug 4, 2012, 08:43 PM

Not going to happened since it will dramatically affect sales of Super Phones.

Apple, Samsung and Carriers will not be happy.

Carriers like Rogers don't even allow Data ONLY plans, which is exactly what I want. If they did I wouldn't even own a Super Phone.

Matt Leaf · Aug 5, 2012, 06:00 AM

you'll definately see it eventually. but i rekn battery ife definately would be a major issue. you'd see your mba battery time drop massively. when i tether off my iphone, it hots up real quick and the battery drains fast. couple this inside the mba and you'll be looking for a power adapter fast.

buddybd · Aug 5, 2012, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GREEN4U

Most users don't need built-in cellular connectivity. Apple wouldn't build/include a feature that very few of its customers need. It's as simple as that.

I'm sure more people need cellular internet than Thunderbolt.

skinny*k · Aug 5, 2012, 05:04 PM

In the past, when Macs included built-in modems, I usually found myself upgrading to an external, anyway, as modem technology advanced. I have a 1st gen iPad, and I'm stuck with 3G on that. I'm using a portable MiFi wireless 3G/4G adapter that I can replace with 5G when the time comes, and I won't be stuck lugging around built-in useless tech. But then, I run my laptops until they die.

725032 · Aug 5, 2012, 05:08 PM

Just setup a hot spot with your iphone... Easy

theSeb · Aug 6, 2012, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capt Underpants

It's not that most users don't need it. It's that Apple would prefer that they buy an iPad if they need cellular connectivity.

That reasoning makes no sense at all.

Uguubot · Aug 6, 2012, 01:11 AM

Here are my thoughts:
1. They would have to have a plastic spot. The iPad's wi-fi is pumped through the Apple logo, and the 3G through a bar of plastic on top. Do note, though, that it could probably be done more elegantly on a laptop (Hinge area?)

2. Battery life

3. Nobody would use it. I had a Chromebook, and I never used 3G on the go. If I really needed to, I could tether using my phone.

4. The Air is pretty tightly packed as it is.

kolz · Aug 6, 2012, 05:21 AM

so far I am satisfied having iPhone tethering whenever I'm on the move. It's not exactly an LTE, but it do the job properly. I don't know why I want to pay another data plan for a separate connection for my macbook. For me this is a clever way to consolidate everything so that you need only a minimum amount of devices and you use them at the best way possible...

However, I would love to see an LTE in an iPhone...

stchman · Aug 6, 2012, 04:53 PM

If I understand cellular technology correctly (other forum members can correct me if I am wrong) if Apple built in cellular connectivity into the laptop, then you would be tied to one carrier.

Also I believe cellular is different in Europe than in the US so a device that works in the US might not work overseas.

This is the reason that you can get USB dongles for laptops for cellular internet connectivity.

Beanoir · Aug 6, 2012, 05:26 PM

most people these days have a smart phone capable of tethering and providing a wireless hotspot, so why bother including it in a laptop and requiring people to have to take out a separate data contract when they could share the one with their mobile phone.

Its a dying requirement and Apple are smart to not bother wasting effort and space on it in their laptops.

Aug 4, 2012, 03:11 PM	#1
slartib macrumors newbie Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Europe	Why no built-in cellular connectivity? I ordered my first MBA in January 2008 and my second last April (with hindsight, I should have waited 1.5 months until the last release, but this is another story). I love this machine because of its form. I disliked the MBPs because they are thick and have a useless optical drive. I like the new rMBP because it became almost as thin as the MBA by getting rid of the optical drive. I am tempted by a rMBP because I do some GPGPU programming with CUDA and it would be nice to have an nVIDIA GPU on my laptop (it will become a tough choice if a 13" rMBP with an nVIDIA GPU will come out, but this is yet another story). However, what I would need much more on an everyday basis is built-in cellular connectivity, since I am often travelling, especially by train (I am based in Europe). I work around this lack using a Huawei LTE USB stick or my iPhone 4S (sadly without LTE), but it is not the maximum of comfort. I have been wondering since 2008 why cellular connectivity is not included in an ultraportable machine like the MBA that has been stressing wireless to the point of disposing of an ethernet port. I have been wondering even more since cellular connectivity came with the iPad. Now yet another new MacBook has been released, the rMBP, without built-in cellular connectivity. Why? Does this mean there is a decided Apple policy to leave this feature away from MacBooks? Or is it just a matter of time until it won't be offered just with the iPad? Last edited by slartib; Aug 4, 2012 at 03:19 PM. Reason: Added 6 words.
	0

Aug 4, 2012, 03:23 PM	#2
Wokis macrumors regular Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Stockholm, Sweden	Wonder if one could make a cellular SD-card, or if that's just beyond the functionality of the protocol/port/connector/space. In the MBA it'd "have to be" even smaller than a standard card since the slot isn't deep enough to fit an entire card. __________________ 13" Macbook Air 2012, i5-3427U, Intel HD 4000, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD \| iPad Mini 16GB White \| iPhone 5 32GB Black
	0

Aug 4, 2012, 04:45 PM	#4
WesCole macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Texas	My guess would be price. If it included a cellular antenna, it would probably be at least $100 more. That, and I am not sure they even have space to put one in the Air without causing excess heat/battery draw. I guess they could treat the Airs like iPads and have a WiFi only model and a 4G model. __________________ 2010 15" MacBook Pro, Anti-Glare Hi-Res, 2.4 i5 128 GB SSD & 500GB HDD in optibay; iPhone 5 32GB; ATV3; 2011 Core i7 27" iMac 2GB VRAM; "New" iPad 32GB AT&T 4G; 2012 MacBook Air 13", i7, 8GB, 256GB
	0

Aug 4, 2012, 05:44 PM	#10
maril1111 macrumors 68000 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Denmark	I am guessing because of the form factor as it wouldn't look as streamlined anymore or be heavier or some other excuse but probably wont happen __________________ 13" 2011 MBP 2.3,8 GB Ram,320GB HDD;13"MB 4.1 3 GB Ram 120GB HDD;iPad 3 32Gb 4G+Wifi;Ipod Classic 160GB;ipod nano 8GB
	0

Aug 4, 2012, 08:43 PM	#16
bembol macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: iCloud	Not going to happened since it will dramatically affect sales of Super Phones. Apple, Samsung and Carriers will not be happy. Carriers like Rogers don't even allow Data ONLY plans, which is exactly what I want. If they did I wouldn't even own a Super Phone. __________________ SHIFT_ 27" iMac Late-2012 Base w/32GB RAM & 3TB Fusion apple TV 3 (x2) \| White 72.44GB S^MSUNG Galaxy S4 \| Silver 32GB hTc One
	0

Aug 4, 2012, 04:41 PM	#3
slartib Thread Starter macrumors newbie Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Europe	This would be a workaround too, not a built-in feature. Moreover I doubt it would work because I guess that GSM/UMTS/LTE need a different antenna than WLAN or Bluetooth.
	0

Aug 4, 2012, 05:00 PM	#6
dkersten macrumors 6502 Join Date: Nov 2010	I would have to wonder the affect on battery life. I'm not sure what the battery drain would be but the 11in for sure doesn't have any extra life to spare
	0

Aug 4, 2012, 05:49 PM	#11
Stetrain macrumors 68030 Join Date: Feb 2009	I think probably because of the current complexity of offering such a feature. The iPad has to have two versions, an AT&T-compatible version and a Verizon-compatible version. Those two then don't work on many of the LTE bands outside of the US. If they could use a single chip and cover the majority of 3G/LTE bands worldwide it might be worth it.
	1

Aug 4, 2012, 06:46 PM	#12
mj1108 macrumors 6502 Join Date: Apr 2007	I just tether mine to my phone on 4G and it works great.
	0

Aug 4, 2012, 07:02 PM	#13
plucky duck macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jan 2012	Tethering my iPad/Air to my Galaxy Nexus works great, it's really an unnecessary expense and doesn't make much sense for either party. Battery life on the 11" already isn't great, I wouldn't want to add on additional things that'll become even more of a drain on battery.
	0

Aug 4, 2012, 07:28 PM	#14
polotska macrumors 6502 Join Date: Sep 2007	Not having this option has been a long frustration of mine, but I seem to be in the minority.
	0

Aug 4, 2012, 08:00 PM	#15
KPOM macrumors 604 Join Date: Oct 2010	Most Ultrabooks lack cellular connectivity (not just the MacBook Air). Between smartphones and tablets, Mi-Fis and similar devices, lots of people already have multiple data plans, and I'm guessing that the true market for a cellular-equipped notebook is relatively small.
	1

Aug 5, 2012, 06:00 AM	#17
Matt Leaf macrumors member Join Date: Feb 2012	you'll definately see it eventually. but i rekn battery ife definately would be a major issue. you'd see your mba battery time drop massively. when i tether off my iphone, it hots up real quick and the battery drains fast. couple this inside the mba and you'll be looking for a power adapter fast.
	0

Aug 5, 2012, 05:04 PM	#19
skinny*k macrumors member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: California	In the past, when Macs included built-in modems, I usually found myself upgrading to an external, anyway, as modem technology advanced. I have a 1st gen iPad, and I'm stuck with 3G on that. I'm using a portable MiFi wireless 3G/4G adapter that I can replace with 5G when the time comes, and I won't be stuck lugging around built-in useless tech. But then, I run my laptops until they die.
	0

Aug 5, 2012, 05:08 PM	#20
725032 Guest Join Date: Aug 2012	Just setup a hot spot with your iphone... Easy
	0

Aug 6, 2012, 01:11 AM	#22
Uguubot macrumors Demi-God Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Minnesota	Here are my thoughts: 1. They would have to have a plastic spot. The iPad's wi-fi is pumped through the Apple logo, and the 3G through a bar of plastic on top. Do note, though, that it could probably be done more elegantly on a laptop (Hinge area?) 2. Battery life 3. Nobody would use it. I had a Chromebook, and I never used 3G on the go. If I really needed to, I could tether using my phone. 4. The Air is pretty tightly packed as it is. __________________ I run Gadgetica.net, please check it out some day, or follow me on Twitter @jessekunze
	0

Aug 6, 2012, 05:21 AM	#23
kolz macrumors member Join Date: Jul 2012	so far I am satisfied having iPhone tethering whenever I'm on the move. It's not exactly an LTE, but it do the job properly. I don't know why I want to pay another data plan for a separate connection for my macbook. For me this is a clever way to consolidate everything so that you need only a minimum amount of devices and you use them at the best way possible... However, I would love to see an LTE in an iPhone... __________________ I am a photographer, webmaster & graphic designer and I use Macbook Air.
	0

Aug 6, 2012, 04:53 PM	#24
stchman macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: St. Louis, MO	If I understand cellular technology correctly (other forum members can correct me if I am wrong) if Apple built in cellular connectivity into the laptop, then you would be tied to one carrier. Also I believe cellular is different in Europe than in the US so a device that works in the US might not work overseas. This is the reason that you can get USB dongles for laptops for cellular internet connectivity.
	0

Aug 6, 2012, 05:26 PM	#25
Beanoir macrumors 6502a Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: 51 degrees North	most people these days have a smart phone capable of tethering and providing a wireless hotspot, so why bother including it in a laptop and requiring people to have to take out a separate data contract when they could share the one with their mobile phone. Its a dying requirement and Apple are smart to not bother wasting effort and space on it in their laptops. __________________ iPhone5 32Gb-iPad Mini 64Gb iMac 27" 3.2Ghz i3 / 16Gb / 1Tb MacMini 2.33GHz / 128Gb SSD / 20" ACD Macbook Air 11.6" 1.6Ghz i5 / 4Gb / 128Gb
	3

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