WiFi Only Mobile Devices Are NOT Mobile

Two quick questions for my readers: 1) Do you have a WiFi only iPad? and 2) if so, where do you use it the most?  When I ask people this question, the vast majority of the time they tell me that they use the iPad primarily in their house (where they have WiFi).  Is it really a mobile device if you never take it out of the house?

A mobile device isn’t truly mobile if it is tethered to a WiFi network.

The future of mobile computing lies in the ability for people to use their mobile devices ANYWHERE, not just when connected to a friendly WiFi.  I understand why WiFi only is attractive to consumers.  It tends to be cheaper in the store and you are not stuck with a monthly data plan.  But what we need to realize is that by limiting ourselves to WiFi only, we are decreasing the use of the device - primarily because we simply don’t carry it with us.

I found this out through personal experience.

Honestly, when I got my first tablet (the original Samsung Galaxy Tab), I was skeptical of the 3G data plan that came with it.  But I let the Verizon guy talk me into it… mostly because I am weak when it comes to tech toys.  It was the best decision I ever made.  Even though I expected to just use it around the house, the fact that it was available everywhere actually redefined my use of the device.  I had both the Nook and Kindle apps installed, and it was so easy to download a new book while on a road trip.  Comparison shopping in the store? So much easier on the bigger screen. At the in-laws house in rural North Dakota with no internet connection? Not anymore - 3G is often in places that traditional wired internet is not. At the Airport waiting for a flight? No problem.  I can go on an on about how often I found myself using the table in places that simply didn’t have WiFi.  My tablet was truly a mobile device, and I loved it.

Now this last May I had the amazing opportunity to attend Google IO. And one of the giveaways that the lucky attendees received was the brand new Galaxy Tab with a 10.1 inch screen.  What a beautiful device - sleek, light, easy to use, and… wait, what’s this? WiFi only. 

I tried to go back to WiFi only, I really did.  I even gave my old tablet to my wife (who loves it BTW).  But take a guess where I use the tablet most of the time these days.  Right - in the house.  It sits on my end table downstairs.  No more using it as an ereader on the road. no more comparison shopping. No more browsing the web while in the airport or at the in-laws.  In fact, I don’t use it very much at all anymore.

The fact is that without the 3G connection, the device lost what made it unique. If we are going to move to a truly mobile society (which is where I see us going), then we need to break free of the WiFi chains and embrace mobile broadband.  There is work to be done.  Device manufactures need to quit enabling the consumer and stop offering WiFi only options. Carriers need to realign their dataplans to finally allow multiple devices on one shared plans. Government agencies need to take a serious look at the need for net neutrality from the mobile POV. And Consumers need to take the leap and go mobile, after all - the consumers drive the market.

In the meantime, I have a lightly used WiFi only Samsung Galaxy 10.1 for sale if anyone is interested…