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Apple Still Investigating Cellular MacBook as Microsoft Ships Surface 5G
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Yes, since Apple solved this issue a decade ago. Cellular Macs make a lot less sense when Continuity(Instant Hotspot) is around
On Macs the benefit in terms of convenience is indeed limited as the hotspot from the phone can be launched from the Mac instantly, however battery drain and heat on the phone can be an issue in some scenarios.
However, I'd still prefer the Mac-integrated modem. I have Dells with integrated WWAN cards and it's really convenient just opening the lid and having connectivity EVERYWHERE without any tethering.
What most people here don't seem to be aware of, is that the 5G Option brings a huge benefit in corporate security without sacrificing any usability (which practically is essential for the security measure to be effective).
Not using WiFis (or whitelisting trusted WiFi SSIDs) virtually eliminates the possibility of people connecting to open WiFis and perhaps ignoring a certificate warning, ending up leaking their credentials.
(And, yes, VPNs and some other software solutions will also help prevent that, but no physical connectivity is by definition the most secure approach)
However, I'd still prefer the Mac-integrated modem. I have Dells with integrated WWAN cards and it's really convenient just opening the lid and having connectivity EVERYWHERE without any tethering.
What most people here don't seem to be aware of, is that the 5G Option brings a huge benefit in corporate security without sacrificing any usability (which practically is essential for the security measure to be effective).
Not using WiFis (or whitelisting trusted WiFi SSIDs) virtually eliminates the possibility of people connecting to open WiFis and perhaps ignoring a certificate warning, ending up leaking their credentials.
(And, yes, VPNs and some other software solutions will also help prevent that, but no physical connectivity is by definition the most secure approach)
If you want GPS in your iPad, cellular is the one you need. Ask anyone with a pilots license what model they buy
My big problem with hotspots and other laptop cellular data solutions is that the data plans available just completely and utterly suck. I’d be happy to pay, oh, I dunno, $25 or so extra for my laptop to have the exact same data experience that my phone has natively. That’s the maximum it is worth it to me to not have to simply use my phone as a hotspot instead, and I think I’m being generous.
I have used both Wi-Fi-only and cellular iPads.
Although I can use my iPhone as a hotspot for the Wi-Fi iPad, I found that the cellular model offers several advantages: it’s more convenient, faster, always connected (so it wakes up automatically when a new message arrives), and it helps preserve iPhone battery life.
I believe the same benefits would apply to the MacBook as well.
I would welcome it if Apple offered both Wi-Fi-only and cellular versions of the MacBook. A cellular MacBook would make it an even better standalone mobile device.
There was also a rumor that Apple is developing a stylus that can work without requiring a touch panel.
If true, this could potentially solve the inking limitations on the MacBook.
Although I can use my iPhone as a hotspot for the Wi-Fi iPad, I found that the cellular model offers several advantages: it’s more convenient, faster, always connected (so it wakes up automatically when a new message arrives), and it helps preserve iPhone battery life.
I believe the same benefits would apply to the MacBook as well.
I would welcome it if Apple offered both Wi-Fi-only and cellular versions of the MacBook. A cellular MacBook would make it an even better standalone mobile device.
There was also a rumor that Apple is developing a stylus that can work without requiring a touch panel.
If true, this could potentially solve the inking limitations on the MacBook.
I would too. Way more useful to me as my phone is always there as a hot spot.
Not so for me in the UK on EE. I get very fast data through my phone if I need it and the data isn’t capped.
dude I live in Turkey and every single carrier has that 15gb hotspot limit on their unlimited plans. whats next? should i change my country too?
By that logic, cellular enabled iPads probably shouldn't exist either. Who takes only their iPad and leaves their phone at home?
I doubt it would be worth the cost to most people at the moment. But the idea of each device you have having its own cellular connection is a good one. It might take a while to get to the point where it's included for no extra cost, and for cellular plans with multiple devices to become cost effective, but it's still good to see the first steps.
Hotspots are still a bit annoying and they do drain the phone battery quite a bit.
I would have an immediate need for a cellular Macbook.
I also have a need for a cellular iPad. I am waiting on the next mini for form factor and hopefully for a good screen.
Cellular would be significantly useful just to detach from prying WiFi networks. I travel enough to justify it.
I'm in pretty desperate need for new tech. My current tech is outdated.
I also have a need for a cellular iPad. I am waiting on the next mini for form factor and hopefully for a good screen.
Cellular would be significantly useful just to detach from prying WiFi networks. I travel enough to justify it.
I'm in pretty desperate need for new tech. My current tech is outdated.
Yeah, but does Microsoft have true innovation like AI Genmojis?! That's "thinking about the user experience"! /s
And for those that say you can hotspot to your iPhone, that sucks the battery life from a low capacity device to provide a power hungry service to a high capacity device... not the best solution... actually it'd be "better" to have a cellular Mac and while using it your iPhone uses that connection.
And for those that say you can hotspot to your iPhone, that sucks the battery life from a low capacity device to provide a power hungry service to a high capacity device... not the best solution... actually it'd be "better" to have a cellular Mac and while using it your iPhone uses that connection.
I guess you are unlucky. Our countrys Network Operaters never imposed such limits. And seriously, not a single large data plan with unlimited Hotspot? Maybe look into postpaid or the carriers app. I use a 100GB plan/year personally. It works very well for me
You can connect the phone via cable and the drain would be almost minimal as you'd be using the comboined batteries of iphone and macbook together.
Yep - if you have an iphone with unlimited hs capabilities form a great network provider, you wont need it.
Yes we know that you can use a cable. Having to get out a cable and plug in like that is probably even more annoying than dealing with the wireless hotspot.
However there is a lot of efficiency loss using one battery to charge another. Don't think you're achieving much there with that cable.