Cellular connective laptops are nothing new, but they’re not commonplace for work or personal use. In fact, they typically see sales of under a million units per year, compared to 188 million laptops sold, generally, in 2023. However, some carriers are gearing up to promote them. Some estimates forecast sales of as many as 30 million units in next year.

So, why is this trend amping up, and should you hop onto it? In this article, we take a look

Conditions are prime for cellular laptops.

With 5G networks making strong connectivity more accessible than ever, and remote work remaining a popular option, connective laptops are a desirable option for business and personal use. In the past, mobile networks couldn’t compare to Wi-Fi speeds, but with 5G, data provides a comparable alternative when Wi-Fi is of poor quality or unavailable.

Because of these ideal conditions, some cellular carriers are even partnering with manufacturers to offer new products and plans to customers.

Cost has always been prohibitive.

Part of the reason cellular laptops have yet to take off – apart from the lack of 5G connectivity – was the cost. Not only the cost of the computer itself, but the subsequent mobile plan. As you can probably guess, these plans don’t come cheap.

However, experts predict that in order to get these devices off the ground, carriers will need to reduce the cost of these plans. Bob O’Donnell, president of TECHnalysis Research, told Telecompetitor he hopes “the price for providers’ service plans for cellular laptops will come down as the providers build out more capacity on their wireless networks.”

Are these devices better than cellular hotspots?

There are advantages and disadvantages to both options. Using your phone to create a hotspot, and connecting a laptop that way, is a far cheaper option to paying for an additional monthly plan. However, for regular use, hotpots are battery draining, and not as stable as a connected device.

If you’re someone who needs reliable connection wherever you go, a dedicated laptop and plan may be beneficial. If it’s the occasional connection requirement while you’re on vacation, it’s probably not cost effective.

In conclusion…

5G connective laptops are set to become a more popular option for consumers. However, given the cost, evaluating your needs before jumping on the trend is important.