Is it Time for Apple to launch their Cellular MacBook Pro?
The 3G standard was still considered a voice centric standard that wasn't really designed for data services. The new LTE standard was designed for the data services era. Apple uses LTE in their latest iPad and their own marketing states that "The new iPad supports fast cellular networks the world over — including 4G LTE networks in the U.S. and Canada. So you can browse the web, stream content, or download a movie at blazing-fast speeds." Today, Apple has ten granted patents to their credit regarding a future cellular MacBook and has many other patent pending applications in the queue. In 2013, Intel's architecture powered by their next generation processor known as Haswell will introduce "Always On" capabilities for the Ultrabook. Translation, it'll offer consumers LTE or 4G capabilities. With LTE options available today for the iPad, is it not time for the cellular MacBook Pro to emerge? The question is really quite simple: Will Apple wait for Intel's 2013 architecture to offer LTE on MacBooks or will they lead and begin to offer LTE options for their new MacBook Pro starting tomorrow? I'd like to think that Apple will lead but there are no guarantees. What do you think? Our Report has been updated, 2PM June 11, 2012
Update: The Cellular Notebook Debuted Today – But not from Apple
On a day that should have seen cellular connectivity come to the MacBook, it didn't. Yet that didn't stop Lenovo from taking the leap in the right direction on the opening day of Apple's World Wide Developer Conference and Keynote.
In PC Magazine's newly posted report titled "Lenovo Unveils 'Anytime, Anywhere' Mobile Broadband," Lenovo states that their "cloud-based service, dubbed Lenovo Mobile Access, provides "pre-connected, always-on, customizable connectivity to the Internet and corporate networks.
Lenovo advertised its dongle-free product as an ideal solution for users who need to access online content while away from their home, office, or public Wi-Fi. "We live in a world where it's not only undesirable to be without online access, it's often disruptive to businesses," Dilip Bhatia, Lenovo's ThinkPad Business Unit vice president and general manager, said in a statement.
While it's too bad that Apple missed this opportunity, we applaud Lenovo for bringing this no-brainer feature to market that will undoubtedly push other OEM's to follow. The time is right.
Julien, your comment, while lengthly, misses the point. The MacBook is an important portable device for mobile users and it should be able to access the web, recieve email 24/7 without being tethered. This will be the norm within 24 months and there's no reason for Apple to wait. There's no technological reason for Apple to pass on this.
If they don't do it now, it's to deny the MacBook a feature just to protect the need for an iPad. That's selfish, and that's Apple. So you might be right for all the wrong reasons.
Posted by: Ron | June 11, 2012 at 05:47 AM
Although I believe it to be an inevitability, what strikes me as being the most plausible rationale for such a move is dependent upon what Apple users needs/wants concerning connectivity and what Apple contends that to be. In my opinion Apple is not driven by being the "first" to push something out on the market, rather that they offer something under optimal conditions, when they believe a device/OS build provides the form, function and usability that they are renown for, not what other electronics companies are or intent to employ. Don't users already depend and/or utilize WiFi and Hotspots, especially those from their devices such as an iPhone to make that connection as needed. I do for both my MacBook and iPad. I feel Apple's priority rests upon more unification of their notebook line and getting out the Retina Display throughout their product line. Until data pricing drops I don't think the average consumer will opt for a LTE equipped notebook over other features such as storage. An issue that may become more import as SSDs continue to be implemented in Apple's computers, a feature I find surpringly left with little coverage the last couple weeks. I read here about an innovative antenna design for notebooks granted to Apple, however, over the years Apple has been granted many patents whose viability to impliment past well before they offered it in the market, It seems like a worthwhile thing to note.
Posted by: Julien Anton deFrancisco | June 10, 2012 at 07:02 PM
rd, Whatever I do on my iPad with LTE I'd like to do with my next MacBook. What is it that you don't get? If I have LTE now rd, and I use it a lot, I'd like that on a MacBook. It's pretty simple, rd.
I don't want a butt ugly USB Dongle. Would you like a butt ugly dongle on your iPad? Of course not. Your arguments are getting sillier. The iPad works in every country, rd. Better in some, but workable in all. That's okay for the MacBook too.
I have a Retina display on my iPad. I don't really need that for work. LTE is a better feature by far for those on the road. Your arguments don't fly rd. Not even a little.
Posted by: Lenny5 | June 10, 2012 at 04:56 PM
@Lenny, Lenny, Lenny, Lenny, Lenny,
- 80% of ipad is the wifi variant. so not much demand for LTE.
- All PC Laptops already have usb dongle for LTE sold by carriers.
- Retina is what will differentiate not built-in LTE which only supports US and Canada
that why 28 nm is necessary to support other countries.
- Current Air battery is 50 Whr for 13 inch @ 7 hour running time.
- IGZO gives you same power spec for double the resolution.
- Ivy Bridge is only 10% less power saving while having higher heat then the previous model.
Posted by: rd | June 10, 2012 at 03:54 PM
@ rd. The 28nm chip is an interesting point, but Apple has an LTE part for the iPad already. Why couldn't that work in the MacBook?
Some think that Apple may skip the Retina display for MacBooks. Some think it will be inferior. Some think that Apple will offer a better battery. Again, your argument is weak in context to the iPad having a retina dispaly and LTE already and the MacBook is more powerful and a better battery. A cellular MacBook is therefore viable.
It's just a matter of whether Apple wants to follow Wintel's lead or get ahead of the curve and be the leader. It's one or the other.
Posted by: Lenny5 | June 10, 2012 at 12:02 PM
Except that the 28nm LTE Chip is barely out, not really available.
Apple can't bring out Retina Display and put LTE which
would just devastate the battery life.
Posted by: rd | June 10, 2012 at 11:52 AM
@ Anonymous. Sounds like you're a student or someone who can't afford a cellular type of macbook. I on the other hand would most definitely choose such an option if made available on my next upgrade. I'm on the road a lot for sales and I'd prefer a Macbook with LTE over the iPhone or even iPad. I have to fill out forms and write reports and that means a macbook. I get your point "anonymous," but that just sounds like fear. Like the iPad, cellular connectivity would be optional. So no one will force you to opt in for "pricey data plans." Relax.
Posted by: Craig | June 10, 2012 at 11:28 AM
Macs should not need cellular service and pricey data plans. If people need a little Internet connectivity, they can do it with their phones. Those who really want to empty their pockets might as well just get a Mifi or something.
Posted by: [Anonymous] | June 10, 2012 at 11:20 AM