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Verizon to launch HP netbook
CALLING ALL SUCKERS, US telecom behemoth Verizon Wireless will apparently be launching its first ‘subsidised' HP netbook next week, promising customers about $100 off retail price before slapping them with almost $2,000 in subscription and data package plan charges.
The catchily named HP 115NR netbook is said to be strikingly similar to the HP Mini 1000 and, according to Boy Genius Report, will come out as a Verizon 3G debutante on May 17th for ‘just' $199 after rebate.
Well, that's ‘just' $199 without the service contract of $40 to $60 a month, or a 3G data plan which Verizon currently offers at $40 a month for 50 megabytes of data or $60 for five gigabytes. Oh, and did we mention that punters will be locked into a service contract for two years? Well, we did now.
What this means is that punters may have to cough up some $1,640 in subscription fees, before taxes, for a netbook which might have cost only about $300 from retailers, although admittedly without a 3G data plan.
Sounds like a little much for a little lappie to us, especially since it's possible to buy a similar netbook with an integrated data card for about $450, or with a dongle for about $250. Or, heck, just go to McDonalds and use the free WiFi.
Verizon has yet to confirm or deny anything about the May 17th release date or how much the machine's service plan will cost, but in March the company did confess to having a netbook in the works. The move is unsurprising considering the near saturation of the US mobile phone market and the low prospects for much future growth from new subscribers in North America.
Sprint Nextel has already pinned its future hopes on the way over-buzzed Kindle, whilst AT&T and Verizon seem to be scheming to suck subscribers dry through come-ons for $100 netbook subsidies.
It will amaze us if this marketing plan works, especially in this struggling economy, but then again, who knows. µ
L'Inq
Boy Genius Report
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dosent cricket give unlimited wi fi for 40 a month
Reminds me of when AOL was giving away emachines for their online service.
Look at where AOL is today? :) Do your own correlations.
I meant 25 gigs of data a day.
What we need is a game changer in the US. Back in the 90's all the ISPs were the same, you got xxx number of hours a month for internet access at $20/month. Then AOL came along and changed it all by offering unlimited access. Then ALL the ISPs had to change to match. We need an AOL in the cell phone business. $50 / month unlimited calling, $30 unlimited data with the $50 plan.
Even in the UK you can add a gig of data a month to your contract for five quid (about 7 bucks) and for 10 gigs usually around £15-£20 ($25-$35)
...when it comes to internet service. And people just bend over and take it in the rear. We are a generation behind on everything and a price level above what we should be. $40 for 50 megs? That gives you 25 megs of data a month. Hell, I'd probably burn through that with my e-mail alone. And Verizon isn't alone, all the phone service providers are the same.