Comments on: Subsidized Netbooks = Bad Idea

By: Carriers and Netbooks: To Subsidize or Not to Subsidize?

Carriers and Netbooks: To Subsidize or Not to Subsidize? — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:00:36 +0000

[...] for those who don’t regularly access the Internet from their netbooks — and who suffer inferior web-surfing experiences when they [...]

By: Why Netbooks Are an Enduring Hardware Category | google android os blog

Why Netbooks Are an Enduring Hardware Category | google android os blog — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 01:47:05 +0000

[...] people see netbooks as being very comparable to smartphones, and there are even efforts on to subsidize the cost of them as long as buyers agree to two-year service plans. I use both netbooks and smartphones (my primary [...]

By: Here Comes Bundled Broadband, But Prepaid May Be Better

Here Comes Bundled Broadband, But Prepaid May Be Better — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 21:43:53 +0000

[...] also bolstered my argument that network performance will matter when consumers evaluate these services. He noted that over 40% of both Wi-Fi hotspot and 3G laptop [...]

By: Subsidized Netbooks: Beginning of a Support Nightmare?

Subsidized Netbooks: Beginning of a Support Nightmare? — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:26:18 +0000

[...] since data plans often cost $60 per month (in the US) that over a typical two-year contract that subsidy is not bringing much value to the table. I see merit in both sides of this debate but that’s not what has me concerned about [...]

By: Dell to Get Into the Carrier Game?

Dell to Get Into the Carrier Game? — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:27:25 +0000

[...] than slower 3G networks (such as CDMA or UMTS), which are too slow. Otherwise, it’s likely to frustrate users and turn them off on the mobile surfing experience. [...]

By: Friday Evening Links - | remove the labels | Gadgets and Life

Friday Evening Links - | remove the labels | Gadgets and Life — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 03:22:33 +0000

[...] Skypocracy under fire theregister.co.uk Google Voice forbids itself theregister.co.uk Subsidized Netbooks = Bad Idea gigaom.com PRS finally gets completely ludicrous techdirt.com read [...]

By: tvlampsn

tvlampsn — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 21:01:42 +0000

This idea will work. You’ll see AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile and even Leap and MetroPCS get into the business. Actually everyone is going to be doing it as cable companies invest more in Clearwire to be able to tap into Wimax integration as a quad-play for their customers.

If you aren’t familiar with technology or computers this is a great way to get a computer and get service. For $99, plus $60/month you get metered internet access. For checking email, and web surfing this is more than enough. If you want to watch movies and stream video it may not work.

The real key here is portability. You’re able to access the web in airports, on the road or anywhere else and still be able to hook back up when you get home. For the same $60/month you’re getting a setup that will look the same as your cell phone and that’s what people want. At first people didn’t like only having 200 minutes for $39.99 but in time, the service got cheaper, but you got a better value service.

This is what you can expect from wireless broadband. Things are going from DSL right to wireless 3G (4G with Wimax/LTE). Fun times ahead.

Chance Stevens,
Editor, Netbookreports.com

By: Sajal

Sajal — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 15:18:34 +0000

I actually like the idea. I think people are aware of the bandwidth limitations of a 3G network. Why don’t we let the markets decide?! It might make sense for people who would have gotten the data plan anyways.

It would be nice if we could have ONE universal broadband plan which would let you connect your laptop, cellphone or netbook.

By: tom

tom — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 00:36:29 +0000

the appeal to consumers here has all to do what the final deals look like. if subsidies are similar to high end smartphones it means the netbooks should be free with a two year contract. i would like to see verizon also offer a dat plan for those of us who own netbooks that we paid full retail for; these contracts should be significantly cheaper since no subsidy if involved. also will we be able to share the connection via ethernet or wifi? this would certainly add value.

By: Subsidized Netbooks Are Going to Cause Carrier Troubles - GigaOm | CMS Software News

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 22:22:12 +0000

[...] Subsidized Netbooks Are Going to Cause Carrier TroublesGigaOm, CAI love my EV-DO card, but it’s not a great web surfing experience, especially during times when the cell network is congested, or for watching video and updating the blog via wordpress. So I am less worried about overage fees and more concerned that … [...]

By: Ian

Ian — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 21:33:37 +0000

This has been the norm in the UK for more than a year now, ALL the carriers have these deals , for example http://threestore.three.co.uk/broadband/?laptop=1&id=1184&Compaq700 . And teh customers seem very happy.

Ian

By: ajolie1

ajolie1 — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 20:58:16 +0000

Don’t you just hate the carriers. Always, and I mean always, trying to get customers hooked on expensive long term contracts like pushers try to get their customers hooked on drugs.

When will we ever get an open IP wireless network? Now this would really be a revolution.

By: vinu

vinu — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 20:51:16 +0000

in India @ 256kps is tops even in land connection :-) looks like it will take off here first. But the 3G regulations are still atleast 9 months aways! Guess the netbooks will be $250 then … $ 100 netbooks with a plan should be possible. Will be neat in India!

By: Stacey Higginbotham

Stacey Higginbotham — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 20:46:25 +0000

MJ, i have asked but it’s a number they don’t give out. I’m a much bigger fan of the median too. I can tell you Time Warner says Austin’s average is 6 GB per month, while the national average is 2 GB per month. Austin is a pretty web savvy place and a college town, if that means anything.

By: Jason Lackey

Jason Lackey — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 20:10:37 +0000

I suspect that there are going to be some not very happy surprises should anyone succeed in selling subsidized netbooks. 5 gig is not that much…

By: MJ

MJ — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 19:48:38 +0000

Stacy -any idea what the MEDIAN wired broadband customer downloads in a month?