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

prowla

Sharon87 wrote: »

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!

And one of the outcomes of the laptops becoming smaller is that you end up with a number of plugin dingles, like graphics & network interfaces, external drives, USB thumb drives and so-on; I guess having an external mobile data gidget is consistent.

I_have_spoken

I have an internal GSM card on my HP laptop, takes a full-size SIM card. TBH I haven't used it for ages! Why -

1) There's enough cafe etc. wi-fi hotspots I can use due to having O2 contract on my phone
2) Or I can just use my phone tethered
3) There's no sensible PAYG tariff without burning £s/month whether I used the link or not. That said, Microsoft are going to offer a true PAYG data tariff with international roaming.

IIRC, the GSM card cost me a few £s even off Ebay, so manufacturers would have to pass on some cost or take a hit on margin. Of course, Apple charges a silly premium for GSM on iPads, even before you pay the data tariff!

NB Windows 10 is quite smart and won't try to update apps etc. using a metered connection.

Mr_Toad

jeallen01 wrote: »

On that, I disagree with you!

One of the major advantages of a laptop should be that it can be used almost "anywhere" - but without 2G/3G/3G access it can't!

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!)

I can use my laptop almost everywhere, local pubs, restaurants, public spaces and even shops provide free WiFi

As a BT customer I get to share other BT customers WiFi for free and there's no shortage of those.

The modern world is awash with WiFi hotspots.

System

Having used laptops with WWAN cards and a sim, I have found that the main problem is that you cannot always put your laptop in a position to get a decent signal AND use it at the same time. With a Mifi you can place this at the best location.

Quite often when staying in hotels my mifi is either on top of a wardrobe or the opposite side of the room to get a decent signal to work with.

londonTiger

some ultraportable laptops do have sim card slots, my old ul30a has one. but I never use it. it's a lot easier to just use a mifi. pay as you go data tends to be really low. for decent data you need to get on contract nobody wants to be tied into another bloomin phone contract to get a bit of data on their phone.

also data requirements on laptops arent as imminent as a phone. on a laptop it's assumed you'll be on a desk or a table somewhere so more likely to have wifi when you use it.

RumRat

Vodafone did a laptop with a sim, not sure if it's still on offer as it wasn't proving very popular.
As some have said, very few people use a laptop as their mobile device. It's the old supply and demand issue.
With phablets and tablets becoming the tool of choice for many, there would be little point in messing with laptops. Especially as they can be converted very quickly, if required, with a dongle.....
Besides, a laptop with half a gig of data wouldn't really be worth having IMO.

londonTiger

RumRat wrote: »

Vodafone did a laptop with a sim, not sure if it's still on offer as it wasn't proving very popular.
As some have said, very few people use a laptop as their mobile device. It's the old supply and demand issue.
With phablets and tablets becoming the tool of choice for many, there would be little point in messing with laptops. Especially as they can be converted very quickly, if required, with a dongle.....
Besides, a laptop with half a gig of data wouldn't really be worth having IMO.

haha yeah, windows and osx dont have very good tethering/mobile internet support. they will run software updates and nuke through the data fast.

itunes is always updating and it will eat data.

spud17

The Mobiles section regularly has threads about unexpected bills for going over allowance.

As others have pointed out, the potential for OS updates and AV updates generating bills for £thousands is huge.

Updates on Win 10 can be restricted by ticking the 'metered connection' box, I'm not aware of any AV offering this option.
I've known some AVs to silently download major version updates, then inform you.

p.s. my phone doesn't even have 2g

londonTiger

spud17 wrote: »

The Mobiles section regularly has threads about unexpected bills for going over allowance.

As others have pointed out, the potential for OS updates and AV updates generating bills for £thousands is huge.

Updates on Win 10 can be restricted by ticking the 'metered connection' box, I'm not aware of any AV offering this option.
I've known some AVs to silently download major version updates, then inform you.

p.s. my phone doesn't even have 2g

the mobile internet option in w10 is not fit for purpose. It's really really bad.

So far it annoys me by asking if I want to connect outlook to the internet when i tether the laptop o my phone. (Which is the only reason why i tether my latop).

But it doesnt seem to have control over firefox browsing, you could have a youtube tab open on autoplay and w10 will not bat an eyelid. I suppose it will stop Windows updates and potentially other software updates - but I have only see it with my own eyes with outlook

kwikbreaks

jeallen01 wrote: »

Not true - I do:p

You sir have clearly never tried to smoke a fag on a motorbike.