Apple mulling integrated 3G data connection on future MacBook?

While netbooks with integrated 3G data connectivity garnered significant interest over the just-past holiday shopping season, larger laptops were largely left out of the party. Today, we’re hearing that Apple (NSDQ: AAPL) might soon change all that with a rumor that has AT&T (NYSE: T) and Apple possibly collaborating to integrate AT&T’s 3G mobile broadband service with Apple’s laptop lineup – the MacBook and MacBook Pro.

AT&T’s Emerging Devices group president Glenn Lurie said, in no certain terms, that he would like AT&T to continue their working relationship with Apple on devices outside the iPhone and iPhone 3G. Lurie continued to say that “We’re having conversations with lots of folks. I would very much like to do more business with Apple, and hope that we do.”

That last bit gives us hope that Apple will allow AT&T to bundle their 3G data services with the MacBook and MacBook Pro. On the other hand, a MacBook Pro with a bundled mobile broadband data service would likely be expected to be offered with subsidies from AT&T. Subsidies would drive down the purchase price of Apple’s flagship laptop, eroding the brand’s high-end and exclusive image.

Would Apple allow their MacBook Pro to be sold at a deep discount by AT&T?

Note: We resisted the temptation to mention the possibility that Apple is working on a netbook featuring AT&T 3G mobile broadband connectivity.

[Via: Fortune]