Always-connected PCS
Microsoft believes that always-connected computers are “reimagining what a PC can be” – but is this just more marketing spiel?
What are they?
Also referred to as mobile PCS, they are laptops with built-in mobile phone-like data connections, a long battery life and an even longer standby time. They tend to have a lightweight, portable design.
Why would that be good?
It means you can take your laptop almost anywhere and remain connected to the internet without having to depend on public Wi-fi or a separate portable hotspot. The longer battery life means you can use your laptop for around 20 hours between charges, whereas most current batteries give up the ghost after about 12 hours. Standby time can last up to a month, meaning you never need to shut down your computer to save power, so it’s always instantly on when you need it.
Who’s behind it?
Back at the technology show Computex in June, Microsoft announced that it was partnering with Qualcomm and Intel (makers of semiconductors and processors respectively) to launch a brand new generation of portable PCS. The first models have jujust been announced, with Asus and HP among the manufacturers signed up to produce the new devices.
How do they work?
The first alwaysconnected laptops will be built around Qualcomm’s Snapdragon semiconductor system on a chip (SOC) running an ARM processor, similar to those that power many smartphones and tablets. This allows the PCS to be much more powerefficient compared with computers running standard processors. For the always-on connection, the laptops will include an embedded SIM (known as ESIM) and most will support external SIM cards too. The ESIM will allow users to switch between local providers by buyi buying data from the Wi Windows Store, rather than bein being tied to a specific mobile netw network. The Snapdragon chip also features a gigabit LTE modem that supports theo theoretical download speeds of uup to 1Gbps, though it’s curr currently unclear when mo mobile networks will be roll rolling out gigabit LTE serv services in the UK. All alwa always-connected PCS will run Windows 10.
Is this just another gimmick?
Microsoft sees always-connected technology aas a way to make computers relevant againagain, with Windows Executive Vice President Terry Myerson recently claiming they have the power to “fundamentally transform” how we work ( www.snipca.com/26546). The reality is less grandiose – these are just laptops, after all. But battery life, connectivity and portability are three of the most important factors to consider when buying a laptop. And, since always-connected technology could massively improve these, it’s an undeniably attractive concept.
Where can I get one and how much will it cost?
Asus recently announced that its first always-connected model, the Novago ( www.snipca.com/26547, pictured left), will be released in selected countries, including the UK, in 2018, but a firm date has yet to be announced. HP’S model, the Envy x2 (see main picture), is due to arrive in Spring but, again, there’s no specific launch date. Prices haven’t been announced for the Envy x2, but we know it will cost $599 (£450) in the US for the 4GB RAM/64GB model and $799 (£600) for the 8GB RAM/256GB model.