UMPCs and Integrated WWAN

In my Nokia Internet Tablet Blog (aptly named TabletBlog.com) I recently discussed how the 770 and N800 Internet Tablets are often mistaken for phones since they carry the Nokia brand. I explain that it is not a phone, why, and why it's better without a phone.

This carries over to UMPCs and dedicated mobile broadband (WWAN) connections. Currently, the OQO model 02 is available without WWAN with Sprint or Verizon EV-DO service, but the option must be chosen on purchase. Once chosen, the internal mobile broadband option will only work on that service. To use another service, users must purchase a device to act as a modem to their wireless carrier.

My full explanation, in video, is here. I threw in a little humorous dig on a recent mobile device right in the middle too - just for fun.

The ultimate solution would be to have UMPCs include a user-installable mini PCI card which can be provided by the chosen carrier. Like PC Card and ExpressCard, these will be of standard sizes, have a standard antenna jack, and be easy to remove and replace. It may take some time for manufacturers and carriers to adopt this, but it would be the best long-term solution.