Dell talks up cell-connected US$99 notebook
Back in November I wrote that notebook sellers will soon adopt the same device plus wireless-contract model used by cellphone providers, and I am pleased to see Dell confirm that prediction less than two months later. On Jan. 9 Dell…
Back in November I wrote that notebook sellers will soon adopt the same device plus wireless-contract model used by cellphone providers, and I am pleased to see Dell confirm that prediction less than two months later.
On Jan. 9 Dell announced that it’s Mini 9 would soon sell for US$99 with a two-year AT&T LaptopConnect contract. The system usually sells for US$449. (Note though that we’ve heard nothing yet from Dell Canada.)
Back in November, I wrote: “We will start to see cellular providers (Bell, Telus and Rogers) sell discounted notebooks to customers who sign up for a cell contract, in exactly the same way that cellphones are currently deeply discounted. I can envision a time when mobile providers all have racks of notebooks alongside the Nokia, Apple and RIM phones, and customers buy one package that includes a cellphone, a notebook and cellular service for both.”
And Dell seems to be of the same mind. In announcing the deal, Michael Tatelman, vice president, Dell global consumer sales and marketing, is quoted saying “This promotion with AT&T comes at a remarkable time, as the demand for affordable broadband connectivity on mini notebooks like the Inspiron Mini 9 continues to skyrocket. The Mini 9 is designed specifically for mobile, hi-def lifestyles that require fast and reliable access to e-mail, social networking and Internet surfing, and this offer adds exceptional value to the equation.”
I think Tatelman’s assessment is correct, but I should point out two caveats (on top of there being no Canadian offer currently). The first is that this is a limited-time deal, expiring on Jan. 31; the second is that it only applies to the Mini 9, an interesting device but one that is hardly a staple business tool.
But this is obviously a toe-in-the-water move, meant to test the market before the idea is rolled out more widely. As such, I expect to see additional manufacturers and wireless carriers jumping into this model.
In fact, Dell itself was beat to the punch: Acer appears to have been the first notebook/cell player.
So with two big companies on board, there are only two questions for us Canadians. The first is will it be Bell, Rogers or Telus which jumps on this bandwagon first? The second is how low the pricing will go. If the providers hit the right combination of price and hardware, many of us – including me – will soon be carrying always-connected notebooks.
Peter Wolchak
Backbone Magazine
Filed Under: Computers & Software
Sounds cool, but don't expect Bell, Rogers, or Telus to jump on the bandwagon soo, or give us reasonable pricing. Historically, the North American market has been gouged to the extreme when it comes to cellular anything.
And, we may see that laptop come cheaply, but with a 3 year contract and a 1 year warranty. If anything happens to it at week 53 you're going to be stuck with a bum piece of hardware and a carrier that doesn't care about anything but the contract to which you are still obliged.
Ask me how I know about that, I've been down that road with Rogers AND Bell.
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Just what we need…more disposable electronics.
When are companies going to take the environment seriously?
Hopefully consumers don't embrace this "new" model of commerce.
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Many Canadians who might be interested in such a tool frequetnly travel to the US – but Canadian service providers refuse to create a reasonable data plan for that allows normal use of something like this on both sides of the border.
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Ok, Why are most people shock about the 14000+ txt msgs, the child could have talked 14000 mins and at avg overage prices (.25-.35cent a min) that could have been 5000$ plus, avg txt is .10cent , that would have only been 1400$,
90% of the time kids and adults will txt more then talk on the phone, 15$ a month for Unl TXT, who cares, let them be
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Since when was it $15 bucks a month for unlimited I pay $3 bucks a month for unlimited on TBay Tel
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Geoff, I am not sure why this model would create tech that is more disposable. At the end of the cell contract, the notebook still works just fine as a notebook, and it can be dealt with as any notebook is: passed to someone else in the company, given to a family member, sold as used, etc. The presence of a cell radio doesn't make it more or less disposable.
Fred, good point.
Bud and Matt: you're commenting on the wrong blog entry. You want to be over here: http://www.sync-blog.com/sync/2009/01/kid-sends-14528.html
Peter
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I have to say this is really not a new innovative idea… I mean, I have a Sony Ericsson K850i, it's not even the latest thing in the market, but I am able to turn my cell phone into a modem, and using bluetooth, any laptop I allow can constantly be connected online. Another thing i find stupid, what of people who already have a data plan? I am pretty sure Rogers/Telus/Bell will disregard that option and still force you to sign another contract for this "new laptop". Just like that USB Stick thing Bell n Rogers came up with. They don't want to sell it to me although i have have internet AND data plan unless I sign ANOTHER contract for ANOTHER data plan… ridiculous
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Zack, the idea is that you would get a deal on the hardware. If you get a cellphone from Bell/Telus/Rogers for $0 or $50 or $100 the actual cost to the carrier is $100 or $300 or whatever. But you get a break on the hardware by giving them money for the connection. The same would be true with a notebook.
However, you are absolutely right that the value here depends entirely on the actual numbers the carriers put out. As I pointed out in the original post, these plans might or might not be a good deal. We have to see the numbers.
Peter
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I am amazed how the computer price is going down. I remember buying my first system 20 years ago for what, 2000-3000$?. Today we can get a pretty good family computer for 1000$. Sure it won’t play all top games, but the trend shows us how easy it will be later on to integrate computers everywhere as they become a lot cheaper.
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