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WiFi only? Report says first Microsoft Surface tablets won’t have mobile broadband

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Windows chief Steven Sinofsky introduces the Surface tablet at a Microsoft event on Monday. (Todd Bishop/GeekWire)

Microsoft generated a ton of positive buzz in the tech world at the start of the week with the unveiling of its new Surface tablet computer, but the week is ending with more of a thud.

The first version of the new Microsoft tablets won’t have an option for mobile broadband connections, according to a report by Bloomberg News, citing two people familiar with undisclosed aspects of the Surface specs.

This wouldn’t be a huge surprise. At the unveiling earlier this week in Los Angeles, company representatives  declined to say whether mobile broadband would be included in the tablet.

The other big question is price, which Microsoft also hasn’t discussed. A report by Digitimes quotes unnamed sources saying that the version of Surface based on ARM chips, running Windows RT, will cost at least $599. That’s the same price as a 32 GB WiFi Pad, which is consistent with Microsoft’s comment that ARM version of Surface will be priced comparably with other ARM tablets. However, Apple also offers a 16GB WiFi version for $499.

The Next Web reports that the version of Surface running Windows 8 Pro, on Intel chips, will cost as much as $999.

But there is a certain segment of potential buyers that will want the option, at least, for mobile broadband. Considering that it’s attempting to come from behind in the tablet market, the absence of that option would be an extra challenge for Microsoft as it releases the new Surface devices.

  • Odog4ever

    Actually this not a huge issue for MS. It make more sense to get a mobile hotspot like MiFi. Then you can connect multiple devices… I mean if you have to spend the extra money on data at least be smart about it.

    Only people who aren’t paying attention would pay for mobile broadband that’s built into a tablet. There are also hot spot features built into phones,

    Some people think that all of MS’s OEMs are going to jump ship because of Surface. Well OEMs can offer a tab with built in broadband to differentiate now, can’t they?

    • RyanM

      If you have a 4G iPad, it can be used as a wireless hotspot…As you point out, w/ Surface you’ll have to buy a second device…If the target customer is “on the go” – having to buy a second device is a negative.

      I don’t understand the guest comment of the Surface being a machine for work in the home & office – that seems to be an unlikely scenario as users will most likely have a home &/or office PC/Mac – which will be a better device for “work”….

      The main point here is the end: “Considering that it’s attempting to come from behind in the tablet market, the absence of that option would be an extra challenge for Microsoft as it releases the new Surface devices.”

      Luckily, the market gets to decide if that’s a problem or not….

      • Leon

        “Having to buy a second device is a negative” – not really, it hasn’t stopped people shelling out for covers for their ipads! Or protective bags to shelter their ipads.
        Given that most people have mobile phones, and win8 (and win7.8 courtesy of nokia) will have wifi sharing, along with any andriod device and iphone (if you pay extra that is) – i’m sure they’ll just connect to that if they’re away from wifi.

      • Odog4ever

        I didn’t know the iPad had wireless hotspot (don’t follow Apple that closely).

        Ultimately there are dozen’s of use cases, and even more ways to get internet onto a device (mobile phone hotspots, free/paid wifi, etc). My point is that its a reach to say that the Surface is going to struggle because gen1 doesn’t have mobile broadbrand.

        The Surface is basically a convertible ultrabook/laptop (specifically the pro version). Most laptops sold don’t have mobile broadband. That is were I’m coming from.

  • guest

    Please, please, please…let’s cease with comparing the Surface to an iPad…

    Never mind, iPads are generally used via wi-fi connections (and their biggest location is “the couch”) — The Surface appears to understand this UX — It’s a machine for home and office and doing work from Wi-Fi hot spots.

    And for the very few who desperately need a 4G connection, hey, you’ve got a USB port, so use it.

    I’d say this is far from a deal breaker.

    In fact, let’s turn a negative into a positive — When you buy a Surface you aren’t saddled with another monthly bill on top of the price.

  • http://www.facebook.com/mattbos Matt Bos

    I don’t need that option when I can use my mobile phone for this now.

    • Sue Maklan

      Why? Because the Surface will outsell the iPad sooner rather than later?

      • http://www.facebook.com/mattbos Matt Bos

        I’m not sure I understand your reply. What I’m saying is that I don’t need my tablet/notebook to have mobile broadband, I have my mobile phone for that.

        • technologyset

          Great for games and readingsurfing the net. Next to freaking useless for anything else
          http://jailbreakset.com/

  • yaddamaster

    I’m sick of my iPad. Great for games and readingsurfing the net. Next to freaking useless for anything else. Can’t even connect to my home network to browse photos on a NAS. Yes, I know “there’s an app for that” but I shouldn’t have to buy something that should be built in. I would gladly have paid double for a windows version that had a real OS built in and not the toy iOS.

  • Sue Maklan

    Mobile phone hotspot feature has removed the need for a tablet to have 3G/4G. Seeing this as a negative in the Tech Press only reconfirms my thought that the Tech Press are mostly a bunch of copy cat English majors (not so bright) that are clueless sheep that are on the Apple bandwagon as long as it produces clicks on their lame articles.

  • Artie

    As soon as the announcement is out that I can pre-order the Surface loaded with Windows 8 Pro…I’ll be ordering. I have been patiently waiting for this device, the iPad buster.

    I will be using my mifi broadband gadget to connect :-)

  • Gemmo

    Lot of Msoft fan boys popping stiffies today…

  • guest

    Not sure it’s a deal killer. And on the price, I believe the WRT version (at least) includes Office. Considering the capabilities of either, their price doesn’t appear to be prohibitive. The bigger concern for MS relative to the iPad is the lack of WRT apps.
    OT: Wasn’t too impressed with either Ballmer or Sinofsky during this announcement. Both looked disorganized and unprepared. Luckliy the other presenters were better and the product itself is at least interesting. However, three years to produce this and still not available for several months? Again, mishandled.

  • Mahhn

    whats the point of a mobile device that isn’t connected when your mobile. Pointless. NO SALE