Even an empty SIM slot binds a given tablet to a particular mobile phone standard, and that, combined with frequency support built into that tablet, limits the locations in which, and carriers with which, the tablet may be used.* Expanded frequency support lessens the problem, but increases costs, imposes restrictions, and extends the time the a new tablet design is held up in testing and regulatory approval.

Those costs, restrictions, and regulatory delays are all currently avoided by the tablet division, making it a more agile unit within the somewhat, well, glacial Nokia. As some posters here take up their sandwich boards and proclaim the immanent doom of the tablet line due to Nokia releasing new models too infrequently, it's jarring to watch others (or in some cases, the same person) effectively demand longer periods between releases.


* The tablet owner may still use Bluetooth to tether with the phone of his or her choice, of course, but then the owner has paid for hardware, software, development, and testing that provides no benefit.