14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has already announced the Surface Pro 3, a new tablet that's actually supposed to replace your laptop, but the new device lacks one important feature: LTE connectivity.
For productivity on the go, 3G/4G support would clearly come in handy, but as far as Microsoft is concerned, such a feature isn't supposed to make it to the Surface Pro 3 anytime soon.
The Surface Team says in an AMA session on Reddit that an LTE SKU of the Surface Pro 3 isn't planned right now, pretty much because those who need to browse the Internet on the go can always use a USB modem with 3G support that allows you to get things done pretty fast.
“It's not in the roadmap right now, but we hear the ask. we have USB so lots of people are using those and ‘mifi’ tethering solutions. Battery certainly has been a consideration to date...” the Surface team said when asked whether 3G is an option that's under consideration right now.
While Microsoft does have a point when it says that 3G modems could come in handy when in need of an Internet connection on the go, built-in support for wireless Internet would bring several advantages, including less power consumption, enhanced ergonomics, and better signal.
An LTE SKU of the Surface 2 is already available right now, so I wouldn't be too surprised if Microsoft decides to bring 3G or 4G support in the other Surface models sometimes in the coming months.