Comments on: HP talking to carriers to offer 3G-subsidized netbooks

By: C64

C64 — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 08:19:25 +0000

Thanks, for making that clear.

With all the talk of 3G, I was thinking wireless G was 3G and not normal 802.11g.

By: Kevin C. Tofel

Kevin C. Tofel — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 07:28:18 +0000

C64, the HP Mini comes with a “wireless G” card, not a 3G card, standard. Basically, you can choose beteween an 802.11g WiFi card with or without Bluetooth right now. I wonder how many folks will think a “wireless G” card is a wireless broadband 3G card. Ugh…

By: C64

C64 — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 06:35:56 +0000

JK – Right now, a 3G card is included with every HP MIni 1000 sold from HP’s online US store.

I keep reading here that 3G is coming next year to the 1000, seems like its here now?

For some reason its a required option too, yet I’d guess 95% of buyers will never use it.

By: Luscious

Luscious — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:46:46 +0000

The idea makes sense since they eliminated the card slot that the majority of mobile broadband warriors still use. Not everybody can upgrade to a USB wireless solution.

How much would I pay? That depends on a lot of factors. Would the device be cheaper while keeping the plan price the same? Or would the plan prices be subsidized keeping the unit price untouched? Also, I’m concerned about cap I would be restricted to (tethering is not subject to a cap) and whether or not the 3G hardware would be user replaceable if I choose to change providers.

With the unit priced at $399 and 5GB plans at $60/month, it would be great to get the unit with $50-75 off and pair it with a plan for $30-45/month. Of course, that would be a huge loss to the wireless providers.

I wouldn’t be surprised, however, if all we get is the 3G hardware from HP’s end for $50 extra and a measly $10/month discount on the plan.

By: T Man

T Man — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 12:34:30 +0000

At that monthly data pricing point, I would say near free, $100 max. If they were to offer some sort of discounted data pricing, say around $30/month instead of $60, then I’d be willing to pay a little more for the device up front. Still, then, $250 max.