RSSAcer netbook for $99.99, but there's a catch
By Jacqueline Emigh | Published December 15, 2008, 3:49 PM
Radio Shack is now advertising a $99.99 Acer netbook on its Web site. Yet to get the Windows XP-enabled device at that price, you also need to sign up for a two-year 3G wireless contract from AT&T.
The only catch in the deal for the Acer Aspire One netbooks is that you need to agree to a two-year contract with AT&T's DataConnect service, at a price of $60 per month.
An ad for the 8.9-inch, 2.2-pound Acer device, previously leaked to at least one media outlet, is now running live on the home page of Radio Shack's Web site. The deal is good from December 14 through December 24, according to the ad, which also notes that without activation for AT&T's 3G service, the Aspire One is sold at Radio Shack for $499.99.
The $99.99 special is offered at Radio Shack stores only, rather than through online sales. But the ad on the site also includes a "Find-A-Store" button for locating stores where Aspire One sales and AT&T activation are available.
Aside from 3G access, the Windows XP-enabled netbook also comes with integrated 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, and 4G WiMAX.
Other features include an Intel Atom processor; an 8.9-inch backlit LCD screen with 1024-by-600 resolution; a 160 GB hard drive with 1 GB of memory; three on-board USB 2.0 ports; a Multi-in-One media card reader; and a three-cell lithium ion battery billed as providing about 2.5 hours of power.
While the $60 price for the AT&T Data Communications service might seem steep, the deal could make sense for some on-the-go users, especially those who are content to use the slower 3G service as a replacement for cable or DSL services during times when they're tethered.
But if 4G WiMAX services could be headed to your neighborhood, maybe it's better to hold off on making a two-year commitment for 3G.
Although US retailers have been subsidizing mobile phones for many years now, Radio Shack is the first to run a subsidized deal for a netbook.
The Acer Aspire One deal is exclusive to Radio Shack, yet there's no reason why similar netbook deals couldn't ultimately become available in the US, perhaps involving other retailers and manufacturers. Reportedly, retailers in Germany and some other countries have already been selling netbooks bundled with 3G services.
Along with the main deal, Radio Shack is also running an "Essential Bundle" offer, which includes a Radio Shack Service Plan (regularly priced at $139.99); Gigaware wireless laser mouse with ultra-compact dongle; and Targus netbook bag, all for $149.97 above the $99.99 price for the activated Acer Aspire.
Alternatively, for an additional $249.96 above the $99.99 price, Radio Shack will throw in those three items plus an iGo EveryWhereMax 90-watt power charger, designed to work in any wall, in-flight, or in-vehicle outlet.
so lets see you can buy it straight for what is it $399 or $499 but if you are willing to fork over $2,000 to get AT&T internet you can get it for $99.99.than don't forget the addons that make it more expensive than a laptop.
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|Hmmmmmm.
So your alternative for free Internet access is?
Even with a full laptop or desktop you are going to be paying this ISP access charge as well - give or take a few bucks without the mobility.
Whether the unit is sufficient for your intended use is an entirely different conversation. But it sure makes a great alternative to an almost equally expensive limited cellphone that offers anything but robust web browsing.
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|lol forget that!
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|Speaking of Kindle, why does an eBook reader have to be so huge and nasty looking? It reminds me of the Apple Newton from 15 years ago, except uglier.
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|You get laptops free in the UK for signing up to such plans these days.
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|so if i sign up for the plan
but immediately cancel the contract and pay the $175 fee, id's still be getting the laptop for about $300 ($175 + $99)....
Not bad.
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|So, Amazon was able to pull off a built-in wireless plan with the Kindle. But RadioShack couldn't figure that part out?
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|Go buy your feature rich Kindle! LOL!
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|Never mind Foxfart. He's an idiot.
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|Listen to the genius who also uses his TV for his computer monitor.
...and brags about it in an attempt to denigrate others!
Tell us about your skateboard too...
Such a hoser!
LOL!
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|You're such a retard. [rollseyes] We already have 5 or 6 tvs in the house as it is, CFB.
32" sure makes for a nice display.
After all, its only money. And those who value money over people are pathetic.
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|Errrr...that's an understatement-- and kind of incomplete...more like an:
Arrogant Imbecile when out of bed-- Ignorant Slut when on it.
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|This makes one hell of a lot more sense than a cell phone if your primary need is data access and if you do not plan, or cannot plan, on taking advantage of WiMax.
And if the month access fee includes voice, its not out of line with current packages. But even if it doesn't, simply adding SkypeOut for ~$36/year gives you unit to phone capability for a lot less than alternative plans.
As for the whiner losing his minutes - you can always do as the whiner below does and order your unit for local pickup from a location 1000km away and then blame the company for your stupidity as he surfs the web with his 2 inch LCD screen as he does. LOL!
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|HAHAHAHAHAHA! Nice try, libertopian idiot.
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|So you buy a phone for local pickup from a site 1000 clicks away. ...You sly Hannah Montana groupie...
That's going to be a long way for you to have to push your skateboard or for mommy to drive you...But I'm sure she owes you as well...
Maybe you can let her watch your TV when you are busy updating your FaceBook or MySpace page with rad quotes from Hannah... LOL!
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|I see that you're in lala land yet again. Time to up your meds.....
Nope. I help out my mom. The only thing I owe her is life.
She just got herself a nice 2007 Pontiac Pursuit and it cost her nothing as well. It was a gift.
BTW, I don't bother with things like Facebook. Too idiotic like you.
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|Amazing.
When he's not pushing his wacko socialism and denigrating the US, all he talks about are what he claims to have bought.
Talk about someone preoccupied with the very things he claims don't matter.
Can we say obsessed with telling others what he claims to own'? And anyone who buys a TV for a computer monitor when only an additional tuner is necessary in order to watch TV 2 feet from the monitor is a wacko!
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|"Too idiotic like you."
Ooooooo!!! Take that!
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|Nice.
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|Its the same way for cellphones. They practically give them away for a 3 year service contract. I just updated my cell, but I paid full price ($200 CAN) for it instead of getting it with a contract which would have had it at $25 CAN. I have prepaid and I would have lost all of my saved up minutes ($400 worth) if I had went with a contract this time.
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