If you want to take a look at what a netbook should look like, take a gander at the VIA Openbook.  The beauty of it is that you’re able to add modules to allow for unlimited possibilities for connectivity.  You’d be able to buy a card for Wi-fi and swap it out for EV-DO and then swap it out again for WiMax.

This would have been a goldmine for manufacturers.  Companies compete to make different modules and service professionals fight tooth and nail to be able to get a customer’s business to be able to install them.

The downside is that it would make things too easy.  Cell phones work because you can’t take a Sprint phone and port it over to Verizon.  You aren’t authorized to take an iPhone and bring it over to T-Mobile from AT&T.  This ability to lock customers down is what carriers love.  With the idea of subsidizing netbooks with data cards this wouldn’t bode well as customers would be able to take their netbook with them and move from carrier to carrier.

1. Carrier Subsidized Netbooks?

2. Taiwan Telecom Cos Bets Big On Netbooks With WiMax

3. Verizon Netbook Will Be Available For $199 With Contract

4. Dell Working On Android Netbook?

5. Sprint 8530 Blackberry Curve Now On Sale