Cellular network providers are enthusiastic about the powerful advantages of 5G connectivity. So, you likely associate the innovative technology with smartphones. Yet, there are many reasons to consider a 5G-enabled PC over a phone as a way to get the fullest benefit of 5G connectivity.
The 5G transformation, and the widespread move to remote work during COVID-19, propelled major computer manufacturers to launch 5G-enabled computers. Dell, Lenovo, and HP each entered the market in 2020 with compact, always-on laptops to enable on-the-go productivity, collaboration, and communication.
Rather than relying on a pocket-sized device to do all your online work, a 5G-enabled laptop is a reliable, connected computer offering several advantages. These can include:
- Always-on connectivity
- Speed
- Reliability
- Security
- Convenience
Always-on Connectivity
In the past, if business users wanted to get significant work accomplished remotely, they needed to use Wi-Fi hotspots to gain access to their company’s network. Unfortunately, this meant trying to find a place that offered this service or using up a data plan. Now, with the advent of 5G, and always-on computers, the need to connect to a mobile hotspot is gone.
With 5G connectivity coming to cities worldwide, 5G-ready devices make sense for small businesses. Cellular-connected PCs aren’t brand new; they have been around for a decade by now. Yet, the always-connected PC (APC) uses a traditional smartphone processor to amp up connectivity. With out-of-the-box connectivity to your data plan, you don’t have to suck a handset’s battery life and drive up a data plan by turning a phone into a mobile hotspot.
Speed
Expectations are changing. As a Microsoft spokesperson told The Sydney Morning Herald, “we tend to get stuck in poor coverage, or bad hotel Wi-Fi, and at best we see 20-30 Mbps.” Yet 5G offers higher performance, higher density, and lower latency. It is going to radically change how we view connectivity. “With the evolutionary aspects of 5G we’ll see people raise their expectations of always being connected to the cloud; 10x to 100x improvements that will just make devices feel faster and change expectations across the board.”
Not to mention the added efficiency of having a laptop that is always on, no matter where you are, without ever logging in. That means no need to find a hotspot, get a password, and connect before knuckling down to work.
Reliability
Previous connected computer iterations were focused on mobility more than performance. So the user could get the basics done but not run any demanding applications. Yet 5G connectivity provides more responsiveness. The faster connection means high-end applications and games streamed from the cloud can run with the same quality as on a desktop PC.
The always-connected computer leveraging 5G connectivity also boasts a more reliable connection. One of the advantages of 5G technology is that it can work on many different connectivity bands, lowering the risk of latency keeping you from downloading that important presentation or hearing that crucial point a customer is making because your device is lagging.
These connected computers are engineered to be lightweight and compact for mobility. Additionally, these devices don’t need to be connected to the full 5G standard to offer fast, new wireless connections. That’s particularly helpful as the 5G connectivity rolling out in many American cities uses sub-6 5G signals. This avoids reliance on the mmWave version of 5G technology, which can drain battery life and dampen the mobile experience.
Additionally, some 5G PCs make it easy to access the SIM card, making it simple to sign up with a local provider when traveling or switch plans seamlessly at home.
Security
In the past, if business users wanted to get significant work accomplished on the road, they needed to use Wi-Fi hotspots in order to gain access to their company’s network. This meant trying to find a place that offered this service or using up their data plan. Now, with the advent of 5G, business users have their own built-in connectivity.
Doing away with the need to connect to insecure public Wi-Fi networks is an obvious boon when working remotely. At the same time, 5G-enabled devices are being built with embedded security protections. Knowing that this technology will transform business computing, connected cars, smart cities, the Internet of Things, and more, the industry is looking to implement 5G as an “unprecedented opportunity to uplift network and service security levels.”
Convenience
Another factor is the convenience of a 5G-enabled laptop compared to a cell phone. While teens today can type the equivalent of a thesis on the smartphone keyboard, many business workers don’t want to do the same. They prefer a full laptop screen view and a keyboard that they can rest their fingers on to work with when digging into a document or presentation.
Plus, the full, portable convenience of a 5G-connected laptop is available with affordable data plans. As momentum for the 5G digital transformation persists, carriers can offer 5G connectivity on data plans to fit any budget.
Powering Remote Work With 5G Connectivity
Business owners have to expect employees to want to work remotely or need to do so nowadays. The business office of the future is expected to become more of a collaborative, creative space. People will come in, but not every day, to sit in a cubicle as needed. Your business can be responsive to employee needs and remain abreast of technological change by providing the connectivity, reliability, speed, security, and convenience that comes with a 5G-enabled computer.
