GolfHos

Why can't my laptop do what my iphone can do?  Surf the web wirelessly with ATT 3G.

I know you can buy one of those antenna USB deals and get a plan, but if they can build it into a phone why not a laptop?

Is it an issue because there are no pröñ apps for the iphone?

;D

(http://cozumel-rental-villalasuvas.com/images/pool-laptop250.jpg)

Not sure about the iPhone, but I can use my Blackberry as a tethered modem.

Grasshopper, you have a new Google search to perform.

LOL

I tried that from day one.  It can be done with an iphone, but it's fairly complicated and you have to take it apart.

Because the fruit-logo'd company needed to give you a reason to upgrade in a few years.

Some newer notebooks and netbooks are being built with these 4G WiMAX cards (http://www.amazon.com/Intel-WiFi-Link-5350-WiMax/dp/B001E8YPY4). Most newer notebooks (sans fruit logo) use PCIe WiFi cards, so they can be swapped out with one of these as well.

None of the major carriers currently offer WiMAX service, although Sprint will eventually do so with the impending release of the HTC EVO.

$

In what respect?  Their money or mine?

Here is my take on it.  My truck is equipped and capable for On-Star.  I don't use it because I don't want to subscribe to their monthly service.  But if I do I have everything I need.  I don't have to buy some big ass magnetic C.B. antenna or rotating Get Smart Satellite Dish to plug into the cigarette lighter to call to be let into my truck when the keys are locked in it.

Why can't my laptop be shipped with the same "potential functionality"?  If I have no interest in signing up for some monthly plan because I never plan to carry my computer out to some resort pool and surf GolfHos, fine.  Turn it off.  Or never turn it on.

Why is it that from the same two companies I can't do the same thing on their equipment, and service.

My iphone is 2 years old and cost 200 dollars.  I can surf the web in the house via wi-fi or at the pool via 3G with AT&T.
My MacBook is less than a year old and cost 2,000 dollars.  I can surf the web in the house via wi-fi but to go to the pool to surf the web I have to purchase and plug in some clunky external USB antenna to access 3G via AT&T.

Just doesn't make any sense to me.

I think the problem with 3G is that there are a *feces*load of different standards, so if a laptop maker wanted to offer an internal device, they'd have to lock their computers into a single carrier or increase the number of SKUs. It would be no problem for a company like Dell that builds to order, but for others it would be more hassle than it's worth. Another problem is that laptop makers don't really make anything. They simply assemble parts made by other companies, and as far as I can tell, nobody makes a truly modular internal 3G adapter.

With 4G, there appears to be only 2 (relevant) standards: LTE or WiMAX, and Intel builds PCIe Mini WiFi cards with support for WiMAX.

Ok.  That makes some sense.  And I did read your earlier post and wasn't ignoring it.

I guess I just don't understand the technology. 

Sorry to be so dense on this.  Maybe the ipad thing is a better example.  But *feces*.  A 2000 dollar laptop v. the newest toy thingy.

And we're still talking about the same two companies.

In response to your earlier post (replace outdated).  Let me put it this way.  I don't want an ipad, but if this Spring they introduce a Macbook 3G option with AT&T I would go buy one.

I guess my point is is doesn't seem like they will, and I can't figure out why not.

[Edit:  And I'm only saying "3G" because that's what I mean by surfing the web not being plugged in or using someone's wi-fi router.  You know what I mean.]

I think the price IS the main reason that Apple wouldn't want to lock down their notebooks to any specific carrier. With their iPad, if somebody doesn't like AT&T as the mobile communications provider, they can just *feces*can it. After all, it's just a toy. It's not intended for doing anything really productive on it. I think it's different for a high-end notebook--especially one that isn't designed to allow the end-user to easily swap *feces* out.

On the other hand, look at all of these netbooks (http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/cell-phones/cell-phones.jsp?feacondition=allphones&feapaytype=standard&startFilter=false&allTypes=on&feahsdpa=hsdpa&allManus=on#sku4160282_a|||) (scroll to the bottom) ranging from $80 to $200. These are priced to be throwaways after the 2 year commitment is over.


Yeah, I knew what you meant.  ;D

 ;D

Ok.  Thanks.  I think I'm getting it.  Seeing the offerings from the AT&T link helps.

Just seems like such a waste.

Getting what? One of those little throwaway netbooks?  ;D

LOL  No.  Although I'll never say never.   ;D

I don't know why you think this (http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-4596-USB-Tri-band-Modem/dp/B002S43OS6/ref=pd_sim_dbs_e_3) is so clunky. Granted, I hate having little things hanging out of my notebook so precariously, but I wouldn't call it clunky. It's too bad they've pretty much stopped building notebooks with PCMCIA slots. At least those fit internally, and even if they do hang out a little, they're pretty solid so you don't have to worry about them breaking in half if you accidentally bump them.

Fair enough.  And I could live with that.

To know me is to love me, not unlike some others on here.   ;D

Remember back a few years ago when I got my first laptop? For free.  And you, dys., TD, Spanky and half this forum helped me password break it and re-load Winblows soI could actually use it.  Good times.  Man I miss those days.

So I get it up and going, buy a wireless router, a Belkin wireless card for the expansion slot and I was off all around the house.  Even better was when we went to stay at a hotel for the water park at the Renaissance.  Oh I was Cock of the Walk down at the pool surfing wirelessly.  Then I start seeing people with laptops doing the same thing I'm doing without this unsightly growth from the side of their equipment.

Internal you say? You mean you don't have to have this card deal plugged in?

Well *fudge*.  It's like the first time in the shower at High School.

Where was I going with this?  Got interrupted.
(ok back)
I want the same thing now with wireless intergoogles.  At the pool.  With internal parts.  That's all.

Anyhoo.  You know what I mean.