HP Considers Selling Netbooks for Even Cheaper with Service Bundles
Posted 10/31/08 at 09:43:48 AM | by Paul Lilly
Back before broadband, it was common to find retailers selling pre-built computers for hefty discounts, provided you agreed to sign up for a multi-year dial-up plan. By and large, the concept of discounted hardware in exchange for an ISP commitment has largely went by the wayside, but it may be making a comeback, with a twist.
Don't worry, no one is asking you to commit to three years of AOL on a 56K connection. Instead, HP is considering selling netbooks for a significant discount when bundled with a wireless service contract. While a new concept in the U.S., cellular service providers are already doing this in Asia and Europe. One such example is Taiwanese carrier Far EasTone Communications Ltd., who sells an Asus Eee PC for a scant $29 with a two-year commitment.
"The big picture for these netbooks is that kind of model," Kevin Frost, who runs HP's consumer notebook business unit, said in an interview. "That's the longer-term model."
Frost didn't mention which U.S. wireless providers are being actively pursued, but did say that Verizon and AT&T could be potential candidates. Whether or not either of those companies would be interested remains to be seen, but if it's going to happen, expect it sooner than later while the netbook market is red hot.
Would you be interested in a discounted netbook with a wireless service plan? Hit the jump and tell us what you think.
Image Credit: HP
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good idea
Submitted by dstevens on Wed, 2008-11-05 19:10
they do it with cell phones why not... problem is is that if everyone does this.. it will kill internet cellular sales quickly.... and that means a company might lose an inflated amount of cash cause someone wants to check the weather from thier phone everyday. and we all know how well companies are at losing money.... hell some companies spend billions to prevent losing millions.... wtf? hehe.. im all for this idea though... would be nice to see sprint get on board.
Submitted by guiri on Fri, 2008-10-31 21:38
I would be interested in a netbook if it had my phone company and one of their plans but that depends on the price of the plan. If it were their normal price or if you would have to pay a premium...better check my spelling here..
Submitted by guiri on Fri, 2008-10-31 21:35
You are a MAGAZINE and as such, don't you think that grammar is SOMEWHAT important?
You cannot say FOR CHEAP or FOR CHEAPER.
HP Considers Selling Netbooks for Even Cheaper with Service Bundles
Even cheaper is fine but not FOR, geez!
Corrected by a foreigner...you should be ashamed of yourselves. Love the mag though but dammit people, don't spread the poor grammar around. The rest of the net's doing that just fine :(
George
29 bucks fro a net book and
Submitted by nekollx on Fri, 2008-10-31 09:38
29 bucks fro a net book and its own wifi plan. Oh yeah I'd by that for (thirty) dollars
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