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Have any manufacturers shipped a (modern) laptop with an integrated modem? This seems like a feature that would have an outsized positive impact on UX, given ho

by dymk 3y ago

Have any manufacturers shipped a (modern) laptop with an integrated modem? This seems like a feature that would have an outsized positive impact on UX, given how simple it sounds. Today, I can connect to a person hot-spot or coffee shop wifi, but that's Another Step and many wifi hotspots like to boot me if I close the lid, even for a short time. Having a laptop that's seamlessly connected at all times would be seriously cool. Harder to lose when always connected (Find My), too.

gjsman-1000 3y ago
The problem has always been that old cellular infrastructure isn't designed for having multiple devices on a single line. That is changing with the Apple Watch (which requires such technology) - but it's also why Apple Watch is not available on almost any MVNOs.
dave78 3y ago
Every Thinkpad I've bought in the past 15 years has had an integrated modem option. I don't travel much so I've never bought it, but it seems to be a common option for business laptops. I've definitely seen others using them.
- another_bear 3y ago
  The Dell Latitude line has had them for at least 15 years now.
dingi 3y ago
There are plenty of laptops with an optional integrated modem. Most of them are top of the line models like Thinkpads, Elitebooks, etc.
wilsonnb3 3y ago
I think some of the surface tablets have one, although they are technically not a laptop
michaelt 3y ago
> Have any manufacturers shipped a (modern) laptop with an integrated modem? Sure - just google "<vendor> 5G laptop" to find for example https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/sr/laptops/5g-mobile-broadband?appliedRefinements=40846 https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/sr/laptops/5g-m... It's often found on business laptops given to service engineers and sales people, who spend a lot of time on the road.
ska 3y ago
> Have any manufacturers shipped a (modern) laptop with an integrated modem? Still pretty common in a lot of business focused models. And I believe some big corps with a lot of travel & security concerns still have custom models made for them with specific cell systems built in and centrally administered. Saves ever having to answer the question : should I connect to this network....
numpad0 3y ago
WWAN on laptops? Sure. It's just an M.2 card, couple lines wired from M.2 to SIM slot, 2-3 extra antennas, and requisite radio certifications. Windows supports WWAN cards natively. I think the two largest blockers to WWAN on laptops are: handling of SIM card, and complexity of setting up wireless contracts. Which aren't _that_ complex, but scary enough to make target demographic hesitate. Apple WWAN would use eSIM, and certainly an easy signup through an included assistant app that could change the equation.

by dymk 3y ago

gjsman-1000 3y ago

The problem has always been that old cellular infrastructure isn't designed for having multiple devices on a single line. That is changing with the Apple Watch (which requires such technology) - but it's also why Apple Watch is not available on almost any MVNOs.

dave78 3y ago

Every Thinkpad I've bought in the past 15 years has had an integrated modem option. I don't travel much so I've never bought it, but it seems to be a common option for business laptops. I've definitely seen others using them.

another_bear 3y ago
The Dell Latitude line has had them for at least 15 years now.

dingi 3y ago

There are plenty of laptops with an optional integrated modem. Most of them are top of the line models like Thinkpads, Elitebooks, etc.

wilsonnb3 3y ago

I think some of the surface tablets have one, although they are technically not a laptop

michaelt 3y ago

> Have any manufacturers shipped a (modern) laptop with an integrated modem? Sure - just google "<vendor> 5G laptop" to find for example https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/sr/laptops/5g-mobile-broadband?appliedRefinements=40846 https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/sr/laptops/5g-m... It's often found on business laptops given to service engineers and sales people, who spend a lot of time on the road.

ska 3y ago

> Have any manufacturers shipped a (modern) laptop with an integrated modem? Still pretty common in a lot of business focused models. And I believe some big corps with a lot of travel & security concerns still have custom models made for them with specific cell systems built in and centrally administered. Saves ever having to answer the question : should I connect to this network....

numpad0 3y ago

WWAN on laptops? Sure. It's just an M.2 card, couple lines wired from M.2 to SIM slot, 2-3 extra antennas, and requisite radio certifications. Windows supports WWAN cards natively. I think the two largest blockers to WWAN on laptops are: handling of SIM card, and complexity of setting up wireless contracts. Which aren't _that_ complex, but scary enough to make target demographic hesitate. Apple WWAN would use eSIM, and certainly an easy signup through an included assistant app that could change the equation.