ASUS may have a 3G Nexus 7 in the works
I’ve only just finished reviewing the Google Nexus 7, and already the rumors have begun about a new version of the device. Fortunately though, this isn’t some radically different version from the WiFi model that you could win through our contest, but it is an important feature addition nevertheless.
According to sources from MoDaCo, ASUS is currently in the process of making a Nexus 7 with 3G data capabilities. Other than the lack of an SD card and a rear camera, one of the biggest features people seem to feel is missing from the Nexus 7 is cellular connectivity, so this decision would seem to make sense. However, I do find it odd that only 3G is mentioned, and not 4G LTE. While 3G may be fine for most uses, I would think that consumers right now will be looking for buzzwords like LTE and 4G when they buy a device, even if the consumers don’t know what they mean.
It is possible, though, that 3G only may be a cost cutting function to keep the price of the Nexus low, which would make sense given Google’s focus on making the Nexus 7 both good and cheap simultaneously. Still, I would expect a price increase of at least $50 to account for the new hardware, if not more.
I’ve never been a big fan of tablets with cellular radios, as I just use my phone as a WiFi hotspot. Of course, 3G connectivity can be very important to some people, so the addition of a 3G Nexus 7 could be a good thing, and serve to eliminate one of the few complaints people have about the tablet. Now, about that SD card slot…
[MoDaCo]
