Apple Job Listing Suggests Possible Plans to Add 3G Wireless to Macs?

[gianly1985]

In Italy (one of the most mobile-phone-ized country in the world):

- 3.5G ---------> 90% of the population covered (REACHED IN YEARS and YEARS)

- 4G ---------> 0%

So BOOO for inexistent 4G, YEAH for good 3.5G. After all, who needs more than 3,6mbps or 7,2mbps on the go???
The theoric limit of HSPA (3.5G) is 28mbps, who on earth need 4G?

So don't speak about 4G now, it's useless crap....a good coverage will take YEARS....and, as I said, who needs faster speeds?? GIVE US GOOD and STABLE and WELL COVERED 3G, not 4G.

ps:
Apple netbook with 3G -------> jizz ------> sell iPhone maybe

 

[jaytv111]

Why is a USB dongle not superior? Yes, it can break off. But you can switch providers, whereas a 3G chip will work with either Verizon or AT&T, but not both.

except for Qualcomm Gobi. But I don't think Apple will give you a choice of providers anyway. They're perfectly happy selling you crappy At&t service on the iPhone.

But anyways this is good news, so long as it's optional. Apple is about 3 years late to this bandwagon

 

[Peace]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WiMax

Clearwire is operating in Portland right now.

This technology works alongside 4G.

 

[dernhelm]

I don't get this. Most people willing to spend $$$ monthly on a 3G service plan and who wouldn't get a USB dongle 'cause they're not pretty enough, are probably well heeled enough to get a macbook pro, and would have an express card slot anyway.

Who would want this built in?

Unless of course, they were hoping the ATT (or whomever) would subsidize the hardware. But even if that happens, believe me, they're making their money back two fold, just over time.

 

[Nermal]

There's a new phone network launching in NZ next week and one of the ads showed an MBP. It also said they would have some "world first" products that you've never seen before. While the idea of an MBP with integrated 3G crossed my mind, I really paid no attention since we hadn't heard any rumours about it here.

I certainly don't believe that such a product will exist for launch next week, but just putting it out there

 

[Goona]

Teathering your phone ties your phone up.

I'd much rather have one account, and pay an extra 10 per month to have 3G or 4G on my laptop without teathering.

You can't use your phone will it's tethered?

 

[gianly1985]

I don't get this. Most people willing to spend $$$ monthly on a 3G service plan and who wouldn't get a USB dongle 'cause they're not pretty enough, are probably well heeled enough to get a macbook pro, and would have an express card slot anyway.

Who would want this built in?

Unless of course, they were hoping the ATT (or whomever) would subsidize the hardware. But even if that happens, believe me, they're making their money back two fold, just over time.

A usb thingy hanging outside a very small device just feels uncomfortable and untidy...I'd like to move the thing freely, on my laps, on the couch, in the purse, in a tight train seat, I don't want a usb dongle hanging around....
Express Card would be fine instead....a 10" Lenovo netbook for example has got a Express Card Slot....but Apple put a SINGLE USB on the MBA, I don't think they will be that generous on a netbook...

 

[DJCobol]

Who would want this built in?

I would. This is the only thing I really miss when I switched to a MBP from my Dell D630. Nothing else to carry around, or get lost/broken/stolen. Click on an icon and go. Plus, with my 15" MBP only having 1 USB slot, it makes it inconvenient when I want to sync my iphone, or get pictures off my camera or USB thumbdrive, etc.

 

[slipper]

Not saying 3G wont be added to macs but...

I do not understand ho this job listing specifically suggests that 3G will be added to Macs.

 

[jaytv111]

I don't get this. Most people willing to spend $$$ monthly on a 3G service plan and who wouldn't get a USB dongle 'cause they're not pretty enough, are probably well heeled enough to get a macbook pro, and would have an express card slot anyway.

Who would want this built in?

Unless of course, they were hoping the ATT (or whomever) would subsidize the hardware. But even if that happens, believe me, they're making their money back two fold, just over time.

some people want it built in for the same reason that people want wifi built in, bluetooth, a keyboard, etc etc

 

[phelix_da_kat]

tethered or new contract?

For business users/road warriors this could be quite useful and be really convenient..

My issue is as a consumer I would balk at paying for a 2nd phone contract just for 3G - unless it was replacing my ADSL. For example, mobile internet with UK's Vodafone was around £15/month (12month contract with a 3Gb monthly cap).

I would consider using this if I could tether or it was only an incremental price to my current phone contact - but not £15, maybe £5.

 

[michael.lauden]

For business users/road warriors this could be quite useful and be really convenient..

My issue is as a consumer I would balk at paying for a 2nd phone contract just for 3G - unless it was replacing my ADSL. For example, mobile internet with UK's Vodafone was around £15/month (12month contract with a 3Gb monthly cap).

I would consider using this if I could tether or it was only an incremental price to my current phone contact - but not £15, maybe £5.

yeah for me... i can tether and be able to surf the internet while on road trips and things with my iPhone 2G for free... and unless the 3G cards were tied into your contract, and you didn't have to start another 2 year contract... then it'd be worth it.

but i wouldn't pay more than 5$ a month for 3G speeds when i can get EDGE for no extra.

 

[libertyforall]

Better late than never!

 

[MikhailT]

some people want it built in for the same reason that people want wifi built in, bluetooth, a keyboard, etc etc

It isn't the same reason, All of those built in are standard technology with no restrictions to anything and no monthly price which make sense to have it built in. 3G doesn't make sense(at least by default) since it is network specific.

This is going to be a BTO order, most likely ATT since we did see a news report a long while ago describing the desire from ATT's execs to have Apple laptops equipped with 3G WAN card and subsidized by them.

I don't think this job listing is for adding 3G WAN to laptops. It is more likely related to iPhone than Macs, or a possible tablet/netbook.

Update: I might be wrong when it comes to the European market, this would make sense there. I have no experience or knowledge of what it is like there. I am just talking about here in USA market. I keep forgetting that 40%+ of Apple's revenue came from international sales.

 

[MikhailT]

yeah for me... i can tether and be able to surf the internet while on road trips and things with my iPhone 2G for free... and unless the 3G cards were tied into your contract, and you didn't have to start another 2 year contract... then it'd be worth it.

but i wouldn't pay more than 5$ a month for 3G speeds when i can get EDGE for no extra.

Don't kid yourself, there is no way it is going to be less than 30$ a month. Normal price for those are usually $30-120 a month depending on which network.

Update: I might be wrong when it comes to the European market, this would make sense there. I have no experience or knowledge of what it is like there. I am just talking about here in USA market. I keep forgetting that 40%+ of Apple's revenue came from international sales.

 

[fallenguru]

I don't get this. Most people willing to spend $$$ monthly on a 3G service plan [...] Who would want this built in?

Europeans, maybe? Some Austrian prices:
HSDPA USB-dongle: €0 (SIM-locked with contract) - €60 (unlocked)
PAYG SIM card and recharges: €20 / 1GB
SIM card w/ contract: €9 / month for 3GB

Tethering doesn't exist or is really really expensive. You can have cheap calls or cheap data, but not on the same card. I realize that the US situation is the exact opposite, but Europe's a market, too.

The dongles are a PITA because they a) are one more item to carry and keep track of b) need to be set up (pull out stick, pull off cap, optionally lose cap, plug in, wait 10s for sync, finally connect) - let's just say I'm used to always-on broadband ...

WiFi cards started out as dongles, too, you know.

It isn't the same reason, All of those built in are standard technology with no restrictions to anything and no monthly price which make sense to have it built in. 3G doesn't make sense(at least by default) since it is network specific.

In most of the world that isn't true. Everything is GSM-EDGE-UMTS-HSxPA. Some subsidized devices are locked to a carrier in software but that's it.

 

[MikhailT]

Europeans, maybe? Some Austrian prices:
HSDPA USB-dongle: €0 (SIM-locked with contract) - €60 (unlocked)
PAYG SIM card and recharges: €20 / 1GB
SIM card w/ contract: €9 / month for 3GB

Tethering doesn't exist or is really really expensive. You can have cheap calls or cheap data, but not on the same card. I realize that the US situation is the exact opposite, but Europe's a market, too.

The dongles are a PITA because they a) are one more item to carry and keep track of b) need to be set up (pull out stick, pull off cap, optionally lose cap, plug in, wait 10s for sync, finally connect) - let's just say I'm used to always-on broadband ...

WiFi cards started out as dongles, too, you know.



In most of the world that isn't true. Everything is GSM-EDGE-UMTS-HSxPA. Some subsidized devices are locked to a carrier in software but that's it.

I updated most of my posts with an update saying that I am just talking about the USA market. Like a typical american, I keep forgetting there is a world outside USA and the 3G built in Apples laptop might make more sense in the European market.

 

[Digital Skunk]

YES!

Verizon is rolling 4G out beginning 2010. Less that 8 months away.
Any laptop with 3G would be outdated by then.

True, but do we ever expect Apple to get thing out the same time as all the other computer companies?

Not to mention that Sprint has it's 4G out NOW! I can get a 4G broadband card for the same price as an AT&T or Verizon one, and get 4G in most cities in my area (DC, B-more, Philly, etc.)

 

[applesith]

I would not be surprised if the rumored touch screen netbook is offered only with a subsidized wireless service such as 3G with AT&T. The subsidization would keep the price of the unit low which is the only way Apple could compete in the netbook market. Apple has said they will not put out a netbook that was low priced and filled with crap parts.

 

[Cvstos]

YES!



True, but do we ever expect Apple to get thing out the same time as all the other computer companies?

Not to mention that Sprint has it's 4G out NOW! I can get a 4G broadband card for the same price as an AT&T or Verizon one, and get 4G in most cities in my area (DC, B-more, Philly, etc.)

I sure hope they do better than they have been with that. I had to use a Sprint phone for my old job, and that was the worst reception I've ever seen. Ever.

Verizon is more likely to be supported by Apple when their 4G is substantially rolled out because they'll be using the same tech as AT&T at that point.

Personally, in another 3 or 4 years I would love to see 4G fully rolled out and supported by Apple. I'd also love to see companies start to compete with a Sprint-like "Everything" plan. Something like $100/month for unlimited everything: data, voice, email, text, from phone or laptop.

I know, I know, I'm dreaming. But it's fun to dream!

 

[jaytv111]

It isn't the same reason, All of those built in are standard technology with no restrictions to anything and no monthly price which make sense to have it built in. 3G doesn't make sense(at least by default) since it is network specific.

You have wifi or internet access for free? You have to pay for that too you know. And it makes sense as an option because some people won't need it or use it. But some do use and it makes sense for them.

 

[MikhailT]

You have wifi or internet access for free? You have to pay for that too you know. And it makes sense as an option because some people won't need it or use it. But some do use and it makes sense for them.

You don't pay for wireless access at work or at home (it's not the same thing as paying for internet, you can use a wireless LAN without the internet). You can use any wireless network you want, you can pay for wireless hotspots with any ISP that is close to you. WiFi isn't restricted to anything, it's just a standard, which is my point. That's why it makes sense to build it in, it can be used anywhere and any time. Cablevision provides free hotspots for all its cable customers, I can use it no problem. If I have a sister who uses Verizon and they provide free wireless access, I can use them with my sister's account as well without the need of changing anything in my laptop.

Suppose if WiFi chip in the laptop is restricted to ATT only and you have to pay 30$ a month to use it. Totally different thing.


BTW, if every ISP in USA agrees to use the same 4G spectrum, then hell yea it would make totally sense to build in 4G to every laptop. Not 3G as every ISP have different spectrum (except those roaming ISP).

 

[coolbreeze]

Wow, so in addition to a $100/month cellphone bill (where I tether for free...shhhh) I will then have to sign a 2-yr contract for my Apple and pay $50-$60/month to use it?

Wrong.

They better figure out a way to share the phone connection we already pay for or this will only take off on corporate-paid equipment. If I can't expense it, there's no way I'm paying for it. That's why the 3G ATT connection on my Fujitsu tablet goes unused.

 

[jaytv111]

You don't pay for wireless access at work or at home (it's not the same thing as paying for internet, you can use a wireless LAN without the internet). You can use any wireless network you want, you can pay for wireless hotspots with any ISP that is close to you. WiFi isn't restricted to anything, it's just a standard, which is my point. That's why it makes sense to build it in, it can be used anywhere and any time. Cablevision provides free hotspots for all its cable customers, I can use it no problem. If I have a sister who uses Verizon and they provide free wireless access, I can use them with my sister's account as well without the need of changing anything in my laptop.

Suppose if WiFi chip in the laptop is restricted to ATT only and you have to pay 30$ a month to use it. Totally different thing.


BTW, if every ISP in USA agrees to use the same 4G spectrum, then hell yea it would make totally sense to build in 4G to every laptop. Not 3G as every ISP have different spectrum (except those roaming ISP).

Look up Qualcomm Gobi. Works with any provider.
My point was that having it built in is far more convenient than not. Wifi compared to 3G is apples to oranges.

 

[MikhailT]

Look up Qualcomm Gobi. Works with any provider.
My point was that having it built in is far more convenient than not. Wifi compared to 3G is apples to oranges.

If Apple includes a universal 3G chipset that can be use with any provider, then go for it. i have no problem with that and I can understand the benefits. Really I do, i did state that a few time.

But if Apple is going to use that as a way to get its laptop subsidized, it's more likely it will be restricted to specific network.

Dell has the same thing going for their minis, they are restricted to ATT networks only and it doesn't seem to be subsidized either. You pay to add it in, no option for anything else.

"Sign up for AT&T 2-year DataConnectSM service plan for $60 per month" for the built in 3G modem.