More reports of 3G in MacBook Airs

Seth Weintraub
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May 27, 2009
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Silicon Rumors is reporting that the next MacBook Airs will finally have 3G cards built-in.  This closely follows evidence from Apple's Job postings looking for MacBook 3G QA engineers which were quickly pulled after being exposed.  Silicon Rumors also thinks that the new MacBook Airs will drop significantly in price which *might* quiet those looking for an "Apple Netbook". 

They are thinking between $1300 and $1500 for an entry level MacBook Air with SSD and maaaaaybe GPS. 

We believe 3G will make it across Apple's high end MacBook line (optionally) even though AT&T and international carriers will have tethering options for the iPhone.

 

Comments (6)

JohnnyK | May 27, 2009 - 9:31am

So which will be cheaper, tethering or a 3G data plan on the MacBook? Obviously, the built-in 3G would be slightly easier and more reliable, but I think they should be priced comparably. I know it's been said the tethering plan will be $30. I'm not even sure how much the data plan is.

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | May 27, 2009 - 1:05pm

So which will be cheaper, tethering or a 3G data plan on the MacBook?

I think a 3G data plan for a computer is cheaper than a voice plan plus a data tethering plan. In my Verizon experience, I think a data-only plan is about $60 per month (5 GB cap for V).

But if you're paying for a voice plan already (don't we all?), then adding a 3G tethering plan is a lower-cost option, at about $40 or $45/month add-on to your plain-old voice plan.

These are what I recall from Verizon. Other providers (and verizon) may have a different price tag, but I'd be surprised if any provider deviates far from these prices. None of them want a price war unless they're going to win.

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | May 27, 2009 - 12:04pm

I've been looking to buy my first mac for over a year, every time I'm ready to buy, rumours of updates and price drops appear :-(

It would really really bug me if significant upgrades appear a month after I buy. I know this behaviour is pointless as these sort of rumours are continuous..

9to5Mac Noob (not verified) | May 27, 2009 - 3:05pm

When is tethering coming? This is available for practically all phones EXCEPT the iPhone. Come on!

admin | May 27, 2009 - 3:52pm

Tethering appears like it will be an option in 2.0

trancepriest (not verified) | May 27, 2009 - 3:55pm

That photographer must be awesome... the picture is a true work of art.