Why doesn't the MBA have Cellular WiFi capability?

[iSensei]

If they can fit a SIM card slot and a cellular antenna into the iPad why can't the MBA have the same?

 

[GGJstudios]

Why no built-in cellular connectivity?

 

[Beanoir]

Because they don't want to I guess. Why they don't want is anybody's guess, not enough demand for it, not enough space for it, Apple want people to buy iPads, people don't really want another SIM contract etc etc..but there is no formal response on it from Apple so it's all going to be guesses.

Pick one.

 

[JeffiJers]

takes up space and power.

idk about you but my S3 tethers perfectly, have to love unlimited LTE data as well

plus add in Air Droid and this Air is a complete solution. Can leave my phone in my bad and do anything from the Air

 

[krravi]

takes up space and power.

idk about you but my S3 tethers perfectly, have to love unlimited LTE data as well

plus add in Air Droid and this Air is a complete solution. Can leave my phone in my bad and do anything from the Air

Takes up space isn't much of an issue but the Power, definitely.

That's why I got the Verizon iPad as I can use it as an Hotspot as well

 

[53x12]

If they can fit a SIM card slot and a cellular antenna into the iPad why can't the MBA have the same?

Just get a mobile wifi hotspot if you don't tether your phone.

 

[Mrbobb]

Dunn know but am hoping the VERY AFFORDABLE ChromeBook is making laptop vendors take notice.

 

[53x12]

Dunn know but am hoping the VERY AFFORDABLE ChromeBook is making laptop vendors take notice.

You mean the one that you basically need an Internet connection to get any work done?

 

[hwojtek]

We have been here: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1417964/

 

[GGJstudios]

We have been here: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1417964/

Yep. And we've been here ^, as well. (see post #2)

 

[Beanoir]

Dunn know but am hoping the VERY AFFORDABLE ChromeBook is making laptop vendors take notice.

i doubt it

 

[plucky duck]

I am assuming power consumption and demand for such a product would be primary concerns.

 

[entatlrg]

Would cut into tablet sales.

 

[Johnny Alien]

Dunn know but am hoping the VERY AFFORDABLE ChromeBook is making laptop vendors take notice.

Like 53X12 said these laptops are 100% cloud based and are fairly useless without a connection. Because of that 3G can be an important asset. With a MBA you can work locally so constant connections aren't a major concern. Couple that with lots of free wifi spots and hotspot/tethering with phones and there is little need a cellular connection.

 

[Booji]

I had a Toshiba R600 a while back. In many ways, it was ages ahead of the MBA. It had a built in 3G radio which I thought was one of the best features about it. You never have to tether it - just open the lid and instant connectivity. I would love it if the next generation MBA had it.