Comments on: $50 netbook not such a bargain http://www.geeksaresexy.net/2009/04/02/50-netbook-not-such-a-bargain/ tech, science, news and social issues for geeks Tue, 14 Feb 2012 03:56:23 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= By: Lawrence Millerhttp://www.geeksaresexy.net/2009/04/02/50-netbook-not-such-a-bargain/#comment-146357 Lawrence Miller Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:11:00 +0000 http://www.geeksaresexy.net/?p=11761#comment-146357 I think the key is to compare the mobile data plan ("mobile broadband") to the other mobile broadband plans. Basically, every provider in the states offers a 3G mobile broadband plan for $60/month (This is for laptops only; you still have to pay separately for your voice plan and any data you might want on your phone). Those providers will also give away or offer at a steep discount a USB or ExpressCard 3G card for your computer with a 2-year agreement. Again, completely analogous to, but separate from, your voice plan. AT&T is offering, instead of a 3G card, an acer aspire 1 with built-in 3G, for $100. That's a discount of between $250 - $400 (generally, the Aspire 1 can be had for $300, but without a 3G card inside). Sprint's discounts on 3G cards for 2-year commitments are generally between $150 and $250, and Verizon's max out at $125 when you buy a laptop with built-in 3G. In short, it's not a good deal if you don't actually want the mobile broadband, but if you were thinking of doing 3G anyway, and you like netbooks, this is the best discount you're going to get on the combination. I think the key is to compare the mobile data plan ("mobile broadband") to the other mobile broadband plans. Basically, every provider in the states offers a 3G mobile broadband plan for $60/month (This is for laptops only; you still have to pay separately for your voice plan and any data you might want on your phone). Those providers will also give away or offer at a steep discount a USB or ExpressCard 3G card for your computer with a 2-year agreement. Again, completely analogous to, but separate from, your voice plan.

AT&T is offering, instead of a 3G card, an acer aspire 1 with built-in 3G, for $100. That's a discount of between $250 – $400 (generally, the Aspire 1 can be had for $300, but without a 3G card inside). Sprint's discounts on 3G cards for 2-year commitments are generally between $150 and $250, and Verizon's max out at $125 when you buy a laptop with built-in 3G.

In short, it's not a good deal if you don't actually want the mobile broadband, but if you were thinking of doing 3G anyway, and you like netbooks, this is the best discount you're going to get on the combination.

]]> By: Lawrence Millerhttp://www.geeksaresexy.net/2009/04/02/50-netbook-not-such-a-bargain/#comment-270947 Lawrence Miller Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:11:00 +0000 http://www.geeksaresexy.net/?p=11761#comment-270947 I think the key is to compare the mobile data plan ("mobile broadband") to the other mobile broadband plans. Basically, every provider in the states offers a 3G mobile broadband plan for $60/month (This is for laptops only; you still have to pay separately for your voice plan and any data you might want on your phone). Those providers will also give away or offer at a steep discount a USB or ExpressCard 3G card for your computer with a 2-year agreement. Again, completely analogous to, but separate from, your voice plan.AT&T is offering, instead of a 3G card, an acer aspire 1 with built-in 3G, for $100. That's a discount of between $250 - $400 (generally, the Aspire 1 can be had for $300, but without a 3G card inside). Sprint's discounts on 3G cards for 2-year commitments are generally between $150 and $250, and Verizon's max out at $125 when you buy a laptop with built-in 3G.In short, it's not a good deal if you don't actually want the mobile broadband, but if you were thinking of doing 3G anyway, and you like netbooks, this is the best discount you're going to get on the combination. I think the key is to compare the mobile data plan (“mobile broadband”) to the other mobile broadband plans. Basically, every provider in the states offers a 3G mobile broadband plan for $60/month (This is for laptops only; you still have to pay separately for your voice plan and any data you might want on your phone). Those providers will also give away or offer at a steep discount a USB or ExpressCard 3G card for your computer with a 2-year agreement. Again, completely analogous to, but separate from, your voice plan.

AT&T is offering, instead of a 3G card, an acer aspire 1 with built-in 3G, for $100. That’s a discount of between $250 – $400 (generally, the Aspire 1 can be had for $300, but without a 3G card inside). Sprint’s discounts on 3G cards for 2-year commitments are generally between $150 and $250, and Verizon’s max out at $125 when you buy a laptop with built-in 3G.

In short, it’s not a good deal if you don’t actually want the mobile broadband, but if you were thinking of doing 3G anyway, and you like netbooks, this is the best discount you’re going to get on the combination.

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