AI Summary:
Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 5G, a 5G cellular-enabled laptop, offers internet connectivity on the go, starting at $1,700. Apple may develop a C2 modem for its MacBook lineup, potentially arriving in 2026, likely for the MacBook Pro.
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Just like Apple’s iPhones, Apple Watches, and iPads, they all have cellular built in, but the one device that’s missing it is the MacBook lineup.
For one, having a cellular-connected laptop means you can go anywhere and you will still have internet, or you can just use your phone’s built-in hotspot without having to pay for a new SIM card. Most people use their laptops at home, but if they’re not, they are usually at a public library, café, or a friend’s house where they know they will have internet.
Now let’s say there is a bug found in your company’s code that must be fixed, but you’re on the bus. Having that built-in cellular would be extremely useful in that situation.
Microsoft’s new Surface Laptop 5G is a 5G cellular-enabled Copilot + PC aimed at business users where an unexpected meeting might happen that you need to join, but you’re at the park watching your kids without WiFi.
The laptop has a 13.8-inch display and is powered by an Intel Core Ultra (series 2). Microsoft says this device has six "strategically placed antennas”. The laptop supports Nano SIM and eSIM options and can also be a hotspot for other devices (just like your phone).
Adding 5G cellular to a laptop is not cheap, as seen here the Surface Laptop 5G starts at $1,700 (USD). Microsoft says they will start shipping the laptops starting August 26 with support for top carriers like Mint Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and 100s more.
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple might have plans to start developing a new C2 modem for its MacBook lineup, expected to arrive in 2026.
As shown above with the Surface Laptop 5G, 5G laptops are not cheap. If Apple does make a C2 modem, I have a feeling it’s for the MacBook Pro lineup.
