Why now is the right time for 5G PCs

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The pandemic changed personal computers forever

Another important thing we all learned during the pandemic is that constant connectivity is absolutely essential. While it never felt good to be unconnected — either for work or personal purposes — prior to the pandemic, it now seems almost unbearable to lose that digital link.

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What models are 5G PCs?

There are some 5G-connected PCs that are available on the market, but honestly, the choices right now are fairly limited (though getting better), and many are expensive.

One of the versions of Microsoft’s newly announced Surface Pro 9, for example, includes the 5G hardware necessary to make the connection possible.

Specifically, the version built with Microsoft’s SQ3 processor — which is based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 platform — but it starts at $1,399 vs. $999 for the version without it. One of the unique benefits of Qualcomm’s processor is that it includes a 5G modem built into it, which inherently makes it capable of being an Always Connected PC, the category name that Qualcomm created for it.

Several other PC vendors, including HP and Lenovo, also offer PCs using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8cx Processor and the Arm-based instruction set technology that powers it.

Initial market response to these Windows on Arm-based PCs has been modest, however, because of both initial performance limitations and concerns about software compatibility. Both issues are now being addressed, thanks to the evolution of the chip’s architecture along with a great deal of effort on software development.

What about 5G software for PCs?

Microsoft just released a new suite of software development tools and a new hardware reference platform for Arm-based, Qualcomm-powered PCs formerly called Project Volterra.

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What laptops are 5G capable?

For those who still prefer an Intel or AMD-powered PC, there are a few options for PCs equipped with standalone 5G modems from Qualcomm or Mediatek built by major players like Dell, HP and Lenovo.

Interestingly, though Apple offers 5G support on its iPads, it currently has no 5G-equipped Macs.

The problem, again, is that 5G-equipped PCs are often several hundred dollars more expensive than similar models without the 5G modem built in.

Does your data plan include a 5G PC?

On top of this, what none of the 5G-equipped PCs — whether based on Qualcomn, Intel, or AMD chips — include is 5G data plans. As with smartphones, you have to sign up for a separate data plan with your phone carrier, such as ATT, T-Mobile or Verizon.

The problem is that many people still consider PCs secondary devices, so the extra data plan costs are perceived as more of a burden than an enabler. And unlike a smartphone, which you’d never get without a data plan, there are some people who will use 5G-capable PCs without a data plan.

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When will the price of 5G PCs go down?

What I believe needs to happen is that the cost of 5G PCs needs to come down in two different ways. The delta for the addition of the modem needs to decrease, but equally important, at least several months of a data plan need to be included in the price of the device.

Just as with the Amazon Kindle, the connectivity needs to be part of the solution, because it is so essential to its operation.

To achieve these price reductions would likely require each of the vendors to spread their costs out over a long period and to share longer-term revenue. Once people have experienced the benefits of an always-connected PC, the likelihood of them continuing to pay for the service is quite high.

It’s these revenues that could potentially be doled out in a creative manner to offset some of the initial costs.

Admittedly, the calculations necessary to keep all parties happy won’t be easy, and it will definitely require some different ways of thinking. However, I’m convinced it’s a great win-win-win opportunity for PC makers, carriers, chip vendors and, most importantly, the customers themselves.

Having enjoyed the benefits of using a 5G-equipped PC recently for my business travels, it’s amazing how much it has improved my productivity.

From being able to do email during a long Lyft ride to filling in when the hotel WiFi stopped functioning to being able to get a connection in a crowded conference where the network was overwhelmed (and without having to get the WiFi password!), there are numerous very practical examples of what an always connected PC can offer.

The time for 5G PCs is clearly here. I say to the industry, let’s make it happen!

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