The promise of a 3G MacBook
One of the most exciting hardware rumors floating around the Internet these days is that Apple may include a 3G radio on the logic board of the MacBook. Well, that and the quad-core iPhone.
On Wednesday AppleInsider noted that AT&T is exploring 3G data services for more than just the iPhone.
Sitting down with Fortune, AT&T's Emerging Devices group president Glenn Lurie says he would like his company's deals with Apple to extend beyond the iPhone, though he takes care to avoid implying any immediate collaboration on other hardware and portrays Apple as one of many device builders AT&T speaks with regarding future plans.
I thought that Apple was trying to cut costs by removing components from the logic board? Doesn't this go against that? And what about obsolescence? Will the MacBook's 3G chipset be able to keep up with 3G USB offerings from the other carriers? What then, is the benefit of including a 3G modem on the logic board?
Subsidies.
That's right, Apple is believed to be researching subsidizing the price of the notebook in exchange for a two year 3G data contract. Fortune thinks that it could bring down the initial cost of a computer to as low as $99.
What do you think about having built-in 3G on the next MacBook would you buck up for the service?