Then what is the point of this thread? You know your laptop doesn't have cellular data, you know the ways around it, what is the point?
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Cellular radio In laptop
- Thread starter Multipass
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Then what is the point of this thread? You know your laptop doesn't have cellular data, you know the ways around it, what is the point?
I have explained that too. I mean, I wrote it out clearly and concisely. If you're not going to read any posts, don't expect to keep up with the topic.
You don't like doing it? Life must be tough for you. Apple is not going to implement cell radios in MacBooks - that ship has sailed. Instant hotspot works fine for 99% of people, and built in cell radios aren't needed.
If you must have cell radio in your laptop - buy USB cell modem and call it a day. Creating pointless threads like this isn't going to change anything.
Another condescending troll. No, life isn't tough for me, just like it's not tough for all the people who bought 4G iPads or have cellular connections on their laptops.
I'm sorry that wanting an option on a computer, trying to find out the reason the manufacturer doesn't include that option, and showing interest in it so hopefully someday they include it bothers you so much
I'm sorry that wanting an option on a computer, trying to find out the reason the manufacturer doesn't include that option, and showing interest in it so hopefully someday they include it bothers you so much
The reason? That's been explained to you throughout this thread, you just refuse to listen. But let me repeat - Instant Hotspot eliminates the need for integrated cell modem for 99% of people. Apple does not add unnecessary hardware and functionality to their computers. If anything - they look to remove everything but the essentials from their MacBooks (latest 12" MacBook is the case in point).
I understand you want it as an option. It's not going to happen.
No, it hasn't. As motrek said, it's all merely speculation.
Let me repeat, the same thing could be done with the iPad, yet Apple still made a cellular iPad and it sells very well.
That's your opinion. I think you are wrong. As data plans get cheaper and it gets easier and cheaper to connect multiple devices to one plan, I think more computers are going to come with cellular radios in the future.
Cut the OP some slack. He clearly says a cellular option would something HE would like despite knowing about the option of tethering with a phone available.
I agree it is a worthwhile debate, especially when looking at the new MB which is basically an iPad with built in keyboard.... I would also love to have cellular capability built into my Macbook simple for ease of use. Just like with when using your phone: when wifi is available, you use it, but otherwise you always have 4G. And that is usually what Apple wants: A great and simple user experience without having to think about tec issues.
Apart from the fact that tethering runs down your battery (and plugging it into your laptop might not be the best solution, again especially with the new MB and its lack of ports), at least here in China as soon as you receive a call it cuts your hotspot, i.e. its either one or the other which is annoying to me as I often need both simultaneously.
And one more thing about hotspots: They are not everywhere available and even if they are, they are security risks! If I have sensitive things to do, I rather use my own data connection than some airport or other open wifi!
I agree it is a worthwhile debate, especially when looking at the new MB which is basically an iPad with built in keyboard.... I would also love to have cellular capability built into my Macbook simple for ease of use. Just like with when using your phone: when wifi is available, you use it, but otherwise you always have 4G. And that is usually what Apple wants: A great and simple user experience without having to think about tec issues.
Apart from the fact that tethering runs down your battery (and plugging it into your laptop might not be the best solution, again especially with the new MB and its lack of ports), at least here in China as soon as you receive a call it cuts your hotspot, i.e. its either one or the other which is annoying to me as I often need both simultaneously.
And one more thing about hotspots: They are not everywhere available and even if they are, they are security risks! If I have sensitive things to do, I rather use my own data connection than some airport or other open wifi!
I have also wished that my MBA was available with an integrated cellular radio, but I no longer would probably pay for that option.
We use AT&T family plans. On top of our monthly general fees, we pay the following:
Last time I checked... AT&T was charging $20/month for laptops that have integrated cellular radios. For some reason, they thought that laptop connectivity is worth 2X iPad connectivity. Since my wife and I each have a MBA that we use while traveling... that would be an extra $40/month for our two MBAs. It is not worth it for me.
We absolutely never use a public hotspot anywhere, because of the ease of sidejacking. The only Wifi networks that our laptops ever attach to are the private one in our house, and the ones at work. If we are not at work or at home, then we use WiFi tethering (primarily to my iPad). Our devices (iPhones and iPads) only ever connect to WiFi at home. All other places are strictly cellular networks.
We spend about 30% of our time traveling. When we get to our hotel room or beach condo... I simply plug in my iPad, and turn on the tethering. Since it is plugged in, it remains 100% charged. I prefer using my iPad over my iPhone because if I leave the condo with my phone... anyone left behind still has connectivity. Another benefit is that if you use a VPN on your iPad, then you get single point VPN for every laptop.
I used to consider if AT&T charged $10/month for laptops (instead of $20), and if Apple sold MBAs with optional cellular radios, then I would consider it. However, using the iPad as my hotspot works so well, I do not think I would bother anymore.
/Jim
We use AT&T family plans. On top of our monthly general fees, we pay the following:
- 3 iPhones - $15 each
- 2 iPads - $10 each
Last time I checked... AT&T was charging $20/month for laptops that have integrated cellular radios. For some reason, they thought that laptop connectivity is worth 2X iPad connectivity. Since my wife and I each have a MBA that we use while traveling... that would be an extra $40/month for our two MBAs. It is not worth it for me.
We absolutely never use a public hotspot anywhere, because of the ease of sidejacking. The only Wifi networks that our laptops ever attach to are the private one in our house, and the ones at work. If we are not at work or at home, then we use WiFi tethering (primarily to my iPad). Our devices (iPhones and iPads) only ever connect to WiFi at home. All other places are strictly cellular networks.
We spend about 30% of our time traveling. When we get to our hotel room or beach condo... I simply plug in my iPad, and turn on the tethering. Since it is plugged in, it remains 100% charged. I prefer using my iPad over my iPhone because if I leave the condo with my phone... anyone left behind still has connectivity. Another benefit is that if you use a VPN on your iPad, then you get single point VPN for every laptop.
I used to consider if AT&T charged $10/month for laptops (instead of $20), and if Apple sold MBAs with optional cellular radios, then I would consider it. However, using the iPad as my hotspot works so well, I do not think I would bother anymore.
/Jim
Yes it has. Any "explanation" that can be given in a MR forums thread is a "mere speculation". Or were you expecting an official answer on Apple's letterhead signed and notarized by Tim Cook? I am sorry to have disappointed you.
No. And that's been explained to you as well. iPad is in a different category of devices than a MacOS computer. By Apple's likely reasoning - iPad is a highly mobile device, and many people may carry it around while leaving iPhone behind. Therefore, it includes its own cell radios. Not to mention, iPad shares iOS and much of its hardware with iPhone, and therefore including cell radio option is a trivial thing. As opposed to MacOS-based Intel computer, where cell radios had never been an option.
Yes it is my option. I think I am right.
The way I see it... you have a couple of options, both of which I feel are pretty ugly.
1) Switch to a PC, since many are sold with integrated cellular radios
2) Buy one of those "stick-on the lid" cellular hotspots with a USB wire running to a port.
For me personally (and I suspect for you as well)... both are pretty ugly solutions.
One other thing you can do. Buy a portable mobile hotspot and carry it in your bag. Mine was advertised to give about 5 hours of connectivity while on battery, and if your laptop is off, it would go into a low power mode so it may last all day for you. I have no idea what carrier you are on. AT&T charges $20/month for a mobile hotspot (last time I checked). When I used mine, it was for use in our beach condo or hotel, and I always had it plugged in... so the battery longevity estimates can not be validated from my personal use. The other advantage is that it keeps you off of pubic WiFi hotspots, which many (including me) consider to have severe security risks.
/Jim
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I happen to think it would make a ton of sense but obviously the people at Apple disagree. I obviously have no better idea what the point of view inside Cupertino is than anyone else here, but I strongly suspect that there was a very strong mobile/computing divide. The iPad, running iOS rather than OS X and owning far more to the iPhone than the Mac and MacBook, got cellular connectivity by default. OS X hardware isn't eligible. It has the feel of a Jobs edict. If it is/was, some have slipped, but by no means all. All of this is pure guesswork in the absence of any kind of authoritative info from Apple.
OP, what's with the constant complaint about a cable? When I'm traveling with my iPhone and my rMBP all I have to do is go to iPhone settings, turn on Personal Hotspot, wait a moment for my rMBP to see the phone (which by then is in my pocket) and I'm on. Bluetooth or Wifi, whichever works best. Very easy and cable-free.
I do understand what your question was, and I agree it would be very nice. But my solution is quick, easy, and once I've put my phone in my pocket, not a soul knows what I'm doing.
I was kind of thinking that Apple might drop cell electronics in the new 12" Macbook. It thought that would make a lot of sense. Nope.
I do understand what your question was, and I agree it would be very nice. But my solution is quick, easy, and once I've put my phone in my pocket, not a soul knows what I'm doing.
I was kind of thinking that Apple might drop cell electronics in the new 12" Macbook. It thought that would make a lot of sense. Nope.
monokakata, what's with the constant bringing up of the cable? What does a cable have to do with this thread?
As for the rest of what you said and using the phone as a hotspot, it's already been discussed multiple times.
We are all aware of this. But sometimes tethering is just not a good solution or not convenient. It sucks up the phone's battery very quickly, it can be a performance bottleneck when you are using LTE, and the phone sometimes disconnects and goes to sleep after a while.
Also, thethering isn't always available or too expensive depending on the plan you are using. For example, when traveling internationally, tethering with your home SIM is usually not an option due to the outrageous data roaming fees. If the laptop had a cellular connection, you could simply use a local prepaid SIM to get the laptop online at a reasonable cost, and keep your home SIM in the phone so you're reachable under you own phone number.
In almost every one of your posts, you complain about having to use a cable. That's what it's about. Go back and look. You were obsessed with cabling (I should not "not cabling") your phone to your laptop.
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No, that is incorrect. I have never used a cable and never would do something so stupid. It was motrek and redheeler who keep telling me to use a cable when that has nothing to do with the topic of the thread. You need to go and actually read the thread.
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Thank you.
Everyone knows that tethering via WiFi or a cable is available. I made it clear in the original post that I used to tether my iPad to my iPhone and I hated it.
But some people just want to come into a thread preaching what everyone else should do without actually reading what was said. Seriously, after all the discussion about how tethering is a bad option, monokakata comes in to make post 63 saying how he likes to tether
Listen, buddy, you need a reality check.
Did I ever say that Apple shouldn't or wouldn't offer a laptop with cell data access? No.
Did I ever say that any of your use cases are invalid or that you should be satisfied with Apple's current product line? No.
Did I ever tell you to do something instead of just offer a suggestion? No.
Frankly I don't give a s*** about you, your laptop, your phone, or your internet access. I essentially just suggested that if your phone is running low on batteries, that you plug it in (to your laptop).
If you're going to get so angry about the idea that you should plug your phone in to charge it that you have to start a 3 page flame/troll war with the internet, then you have much bigger problems than what wireless network you use for internet access.
No, I don't need nor want anything from you.
Yet you continue to troll my thread. This is your 14th post in this thread and not one of them actually helped with the topic of the thread.
If you "Frankly don't give a s*** about me", then just leave already.
This must be one of the oddest and most useless threads on the site. And that is thanks to Multipass.
Motrek, you were very helpful to him, and your patience is to be admired; I don't know how you've stuck with this thread and kept it civil.
The thread starter has been incredibly rude, condescending, and irascible. I can only wonder if English is a second language and he doesn't understand his tone.
I actually think a cellular option in a MBA would be pretty cool (or at least in the MB). But, I hope it never happens just out of spite to Multipass. See? I made one post and couldn't keep it civil, you are amazing Motrek.
Motrek, you were very helpful to him, and your patience is to be admired; I don't know how you've stuck with this thread and kept it civil.
The thread starter has been incredibly rude, condescending, and irascible. I can only wonder if English is a second language and he doesn't understand his tone.
I actually think a cellular option in a MBA would be pretty cool (or at least in the MB). But, I hope it never happens just out of spite to Multipass. See? I made one post and couldn't keep it civil, you are amazing Motrek.
It's not a legitimate suggestion. Just like I said earlier, if someone wanted help to connect their computer to a WiFi network, telling them to run an ethernet cord is not a legitimate suggestion.
No, it was actually motrek who said that speculation was worthless.
That's all he has been, he has not contributed anything to this thread, much like yourself.
Yet you continue to come to my thread. The only answer is that you like to start trouble too, a pair of trolls.
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And another troll. You've admitted that your post was only to incite trouble. That's cute, I hope you are proud of yourself.
Thanks, I appreciate it, makes me feel like I'm not going crazy here, haha.
Like I said, I honestly think he is just being a troll. It is possible, however, that English is not his first language, but that would not explain the astounding lack of logic and poor etiquette. Perhaps Asperger's syndrome? I pity him.