Telstra expects to start ranging 4G Snapdragon-powered Windows 10 laptops this year, having been confirmed as one of Qualcomm's "operator partners" for the new breed of always connected devices.
"We are evaluating a number of options for our customers and expect to introduce our first Snapdragon Mobile PC-powered device later this year," a Telstra spokesperson told us. "We expect to make devices available on plans."
A Snapdragon-powered Windows 10 device varies from a traditional laptop in that it uses one Qualcomm's high-end smartphone processors (such as those found in the latest Android handsets) rather than an Intel or AMD chip. Qualcomm says laptops powered by a Snapdragon processor will be able to achieve a battery life of over 24 hours, and more importantly, will have always-on 4G connectivity - the reason Telstra is involved.
Much like a 4G iPad, a 4G Windows 10 laptop will require its own SIM card - giving Telstra an opportunity to sell them on a 24-month contract. Of course, this won't be on your only option for purchasing a Snapdragon-powered Windows 10 device or getting one connected.
If you'd prefer to buy a 4G laptop outright, Telstra, for example, lets you add on a data-sharing SIM to your existing account for an extra $5 per month. This lets you use your existing data pool on a second device. Or you could just pick up a standalone data-only SIM.
Lenovo, ASUS, and HP will be the first hardware partners to launch Snapdragon-powered Windows 10 laptops later this year.
While machines from these manufacturers could end up being the first Windows 10 laptops in Telstra's product range, they won't be the first Windows 10 device. The telco currently ranges the Samsung Galaxy Book 10.6 and Galaxy Book 12, 4G-ready Windows 10 tablets bundled with detachable keyboard covers.
Alex Choros
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