The new MacBooks are just weeks old and already analysts are announcing what they think will be in the next big update. Strategy Analyst Neil Mawston believes future MacBooks will feature a high speed 3G data connection which will allow users to browse the internet wherever they are, without the need for a WiFi hotspot.
“Bigger-screen or smaller-screen laptops with integrated cellular radios are a logical next step for Apple – and others”, said Mawston, adding that, “many operators in the US and Western Europe would jump at the chance to cross-sell a cellular MacBook to their installed base of iPhone users.”
Although it seems unlikely that the MacBooks would receive such a big update so soon, Mawston believes that the introduction of a built-in 3G modem may come at the January ‘09 Macworld Expo.
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I think this would be awesome, but I also think it’s unlikely. After all, Apple remove the NetShare application from the iPhone App Store (http://www.nullriver.com/), which seems like an indication that using a cell data connection on your laptop is not something the cell carriers want to encourage. I also agree that it’s unlikely that there would be an upgrade to the notebook line as soon as January.
Here’s hoping though!
I too think it would be awesome! I have said before I would love to be able to tether my iPhone to use 3G on my laptop when I can’t get to WiFi.
I don’t think it’s all that unlikely. I saw an advert the other day for a laptop with a Vodafone 3G modem built-in. There’s something to do with AT&T not liking it though!
I also very much doubt it will be January.