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Fri, 31 Oct 2008 Rumour: Apple to reveal 3G-enabled Macs at Macworld Expo 2009

Apple planning to put 3G connectivity inside its Macs, report claims

Jonny Evans

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Apple may plan to field a high-speed 3G data connection as a built-in feature in future MacBooks, a report claims.

Strategy Analytics analyst Neil Mawston believes Apple plans to integrate such technologies in future. “Bigger-screen or smaller-screen laptops with integrated cellular radios are a logical next step for Apple - and others”, he said.

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Recent speculation claimed Apple to be planning a deal with Carphone Warhouse under which customers would be able to purchase Macs from the mobile phone supplier - begging the question, can a data and rental deal be already under discussion.

While critics have noted the higher price of the new MacBooks - particularly in the UK and while recession looms - the price points also raise the perceived value of the systems.

Mawston notes an eagerness among operators to ink integrated computer and data access deals, saying, "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.”

The analyst expects Apple to make its announcement at Macworld Expo next year.

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Comments received


Neil said on Fri, 31 Oct 2008

Carphone Warehouse? Please, for the love of all that's holy don't let them sell Macs.

Matt said on Fri, 31 Oct 2008

I remember seeing a purported e-mail sent by Jobs to someone saying that Apple were looking into providing 3G access to notebooks via AT&T. However, for Jobs, that's quite a revealing statement.

I wouldn't be surprised to this happen but would be surprised to see this at MacWorld in January.

But, the rumours for MacWorld had to start someday..!

joe said on Fri, 31 Oct 2008

I agree with Neil. I have never seen such incompetence as I've seen in CarPhone Warehouse!

dave said on Fri, 31 Oct 2008

This seems stupid. Apple gets no benefit from doing this, The carriers get great upside, as they get to sell you two data plans instead of just one.

Why not just tether your computer to your iPhone and use your so-called "unlimited" data plan for NO extra cost (either the laptop or the cellphone).

Alex Douglas said on Sat, 01 Nov 2008

reply to Joe:
You obviously have not been to "Fones 4 U" too often then...

Fred said on Sat, 01 Nov 2008

I have little faith in this rumor. I would prefer Apple demonstrate true multi-core processing capabilities for OS X as prelude to Snow Leopard.

spyinthesky said on Sat, 01 Nov 2008

Don't know any phone retailer that is anything beyond poor actually.

Bounty said on Sun, 02 Nov 2008

Well I think this is a good idea.

DJ said on Mon, 03 Nov 2008

Dave -- I don't think the iPhone can be tethered to a laptop... or can it?

DJ said on Mon, 03 Nov 2008

Dave -- I don't think the iPhone can be tethered to a laptop... or can it?

Dave said on Mon, 03 Nov 2008

No, currently the iPhone can't tether to a laptop (Apple pulled the one app that let you do this). But this is NOT a technical limitation, but a carrier-imposed limitation. They don't want you to use your "unlimited" iPhone data plan with your laptop. They want you to purchase a second data plan (which you would need to do if Apple were to embed a 3G card inside your laptop). It's not about convenience, it's only about more money for your carrier.

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