Will the Microsoft Surface stick with just WiFi?

[Master Devwi]

According to a report in Bloomberg, the upcoming Surface tablets from Microsoft might not include support for cellular networks. The Redmond-based company announced the Surface on Monday this week, shocking many Microsoft observers and impressing many people. But while Microsoft was quick to tout the Surface’s built-in kickstand and Touch/Type Covers, the exact specs are somewhat still of a mystery.

Not including support for cellular networks might disappoint some people who want to be able to access the internet whenever and wherever, but it’s no different than many of the computers currently on the market. Many competing tablets, of course, come in two models; one with WiFi, and one without. Microsoft, for its part, has already been talking up how great WiFi is on Surface. “It has the best [WiFi] of any tablet today,” said Windows boss Stephen Sinofsky.

Could being WiFi-only hurt the Surface? Or is WiFi prevalent enough that a data connection isn’t needed except in certain circumstances? Personally, I'd be fine with not having to add another monthly data plan to my bill.

[Bloomberg]

[CrowdAds]

[Olley]

WiFi is prevalent enough for me, as I have it at home and work most places I would sit down long enough to want to check the web or my email. I live in a mid-sized college town, and even in the residential area I'm in all my adjacent neighbors also have wifi. I'd guess that where WiFi hasn't saturated an area there are few consumers who could/would pay for a data plan device.

The two models some tablets come in usually both have wifi. The more expensive model simply adds the cellular radio.

[IDvsEGO]

I live in a major metro area so wifi would be fine for me for tablet use. I do find it lacking for my smartphone though.

[Mikerman]

Yes, it's limiting; but it also helps lessen the price for consumers. How many people buy the iPad WiFi models, the Barnes and Noble Nook Color and Tablet, etc.?

[diechipmunk]

To me, WiFi is nice, but not an absolute requirement.

Lack of 3G\4G means that mobile carriers have no reason to push heavily discounted Surface tablets to lock users into their data plans. Not sure how big a hit it will be to lose that sales channel, but it can't help.

[El C]

At school here Wi-Fi is everywhere, so I'm fine with just that.

[saratoga]

I think I read somewhere that WiFi ipads where like 80% of Apple's total sales, so I doubt lack of 3G will hurt MS that much.

[Olley]

Seems as though only those who are on the road for their jobs would be likely to need a 3G version. Almost every cell company makes a standone 3G/4G to WiFi box though, so I don't even see the absolute need for internal 3G/4G to get that last fraction of the market to buy in.