All phones have 2G/3G/4G, so why don't all laptops? (!!)

jeallen01

Fightsback wrote: »

For the same reason they don't put ashtrays on motorbikes, nobody wants one.

Not true - I do:p

Roland_Sausage

Some laptops do have this feature. I've got a Panasonic laptop for work which has built in 3G access. The SIM goes into a little slot on the back.

I would say the main reason it doesn't come as standard is it would push costs up, and most people don't really need it.

jeallen01

Roland_Sausage wrote: »

Some laptops do have this feature. I've got a Panasonic laptop for work which has built in 3G access. The SIM goes into a little slot on the back.

I would say the main reason it doesn't come as standard is it would push costs up, and most people don't really need it.

But by how much? If you can buy a suitable phone for £60-100 with the extras that come with that, then I doubt it would actually be more than a £1!

prowla

I don't want it in my laptop, thanks.

How many people use a laptop whilst actually on the move versus sitting down somewhere?

Anyway, Wi-Fi hotspots should pretty much remove the need.

jeallen01

Roland_Sausage wrote: »

Some laptops do have this feature. I've got a Panasonic laptop for work which has built in 3G access. The SIM goes into a little slot on the back.

I would say the main reason it doesn't come as standard is it would push costs up, and most people don't really need it.

prowla wrote: »

I don't want it in my laptop, thanks.

How many people use a laptop whilst actually on the move versus sitting down somewhere?

Anyway, Wi-Fi hotspots should pretty much remove the need.

Wi-Fi hotspot identity security is often Cr*p !

Many people don't realise that, but not me!

Strider590

Laptop is not a mobile device..... It's a portable computer.

Amongst many differences, it doesn't have a "charger", instead it has a "power supply" and a battery that's for use when mains power is not available.

forgotmyname

Because windows updates will use all your data allowance?

Had to restore and update a small netbook, 1.08GB for the initial windows 7 update...

Sharon87

forgotmyname wrote: »

Because windows updates will use all your data allowance?

Had to restore and update a small netbook, 1.08GB for the initial windows 7 update...

So very true!

People use a lot more data on a laptop than on a phone, so you need to spend more on a data plan!

Also most laptops are shrinking smaller now, so space is becoming an issue, we've already lost CD/DVD drives from a lot of laptops, so to make room for a sim card slot - albeit a very tiny slot, just makes no sense, I'd rather have another USB 3 or HDMI slot!

As others have said, there's Wifi hotspots, tethering and mifi devices for people that require it.

Probably the most pointless idea for a laptop I've seen in quite a while!

Anne_Marie_2

jeallen01 wrote: »

If all you want is to use It connected to your home
WiFi then get a decent/ cheap desktop which will be a lot more
capable and long-lived (and better longterm value!)

Nobody is saying they don't want to use a laptop outside of their home environment. However, there are people who prefer to use a laptop than a desktop for various reasons, solely within the home.

A desktop is not portable and can't be carried from room to room, which many people like the convenience of. Some people don't have space for a desktop, and find a laptop more convenient, as it can easily be stowed away. It would not be practical for many households I suspect, to have a desktop for every member of the family. It's much easier to have several laptops (and/or tablets) for families.

It's possible to travel and work on a laptop whilst not being connected to the internet. If internet is needed, other than paid for or free wifi, then tether to a phone or use mifi or a wifi dongle.
If using wifi outside your home, you can always use a VPN (either your own or paid for) for security reasons.

As others have pointed out, using 2/3/4G on a laptop could be extremely expensive due to updates. How many people would remember to turn off updates, or even have the knowledge?

vikingaero

The laptop market is hugely competitive and anything that adds $10 to the cost will be rejected. For a lot of manufacturers anything they add on will also have to be supported with software updates which costs $$$$$$.