If they create a laptop only compatible to AT&T, they will alienate a lot of their customers that can't or won't use their service. Now, if they designed it as a module that could work with both AT&T and Verizon's network, they'd have a great seller. And before you say that's not possible, I know RIMM has a Blackberry model that does just that.

If they use CDMA then Apple going down that route would be a complete waste of money and time. Not only is CDMA dead it is being actively replaced more or less around the world with GSM. This is the problem with ideas of incorporated cellular WAN. Let's just stick to the dongles that most carriers provide and move on. I don't want to subsidise American laptops that include CDMA.

More likely I see Apple building space inside the machine where an internal dongle could be put in, essentially AirPort Cards again... only problem with this is that Apple couldn't even find space to put a Firewire port in the new Macbook... I don't know if they're gonna find the space for something that typically ends up being the size of a USB drive. Granted they could use the already existing space they use for wireless in the machine for a lot of it... but still seems like something Apple would steer away from.

This ain't about CDMA, it's about 3G. Properly implemented 3G (as in many parts of Europe) can deliver very good internet connection speeds, around 7MB/sec.

I can imagine some sort of expanded tablet that falls in between a MacBook and an iPhone that makes extensive use of an "always connected to the cloud" paradigm. Netbooks (as currently produced on the cheap) are a lousy experience with their non-scaled-down systems and apps and cheesy displays - there is room for something different. The electronics need not take up much room, especially if there is no USB controller, etc.

As to dongles - they make perfect sense for rarely used applications, like modems. I have not used a dial-up connection for any reason, work or otherwise, for over 8 years, and this seems typical among people I know.

Yes, some people still need/use modems. But statistically this is now a very small number. When I travel for business, I find that wired ethernet requirements are becoming almost as rare, as wireless has become virtually ubiquitous for everything of importance.

Great marketing idea, sell computer's that require users to use Verizon and AT&T. That seems very non-apple. If anything, I'd bet Apple is using verizon to get the most revenue out of the AT&T relationship.

There was space or room for FireWire - just not enough space on the Bill of Materials - i.e. they cheaped out their users and it backlashed.

It wasn't about space, it was about keeping margins high. Apple has always needed to keep prices high to keep margins high. When they need to cheapen the device, they look for things to remove.

So, for example, they proclaim a new iPod is $100 cheaper than the previous version, but it also lacks the power brick. Then they come out with a larger capacity at the same price, but then it comes without firewire support.

With laptops, its the same thing. They add new gimmicks to wow the crowds "Look! Built-in web cams you'll never use!" but then take other things out and hope no one notices ("Firewire? Why would a consumer need firewire?").

But, remember. You don't buy a Mac because its filled with all the options you could possibly need. You buy it because it looks good. And made out of expensive aluminum and not cheap plastic (except for the earlier MacBook, which was made out of really cheap plastic). If you need an Express Card or PC Card slot, or memory card readers, or stupid things like that, then you should get a PC. Or spend a bunch of money on a MBP and get some external equipment.