Nokia offers sub-$300 laptop through AT&T deal
There’s a growing theory that the model for computer hardware will eventually follow that of mobile phones: hardware costs subsidized by communications service deals. Following several similar deals by netbook producers, Nokia has adopted the tactic by offering a Windows 7 laptop for $299 to mobile broadband customers.
To qualify for the deal, buyers must sign up for a two-year AT&T service contract for $60 a month, which covers up to 5GB of data use on the machine. (Without the deal, the machine costs $599.) The machine will be exclusively sold at Best Buy until after Christmas when it will be rolled out to other stores.
Nokia seems keen to avoid the netbook stigma, noting the high return rates of netbooks and stressing superior specs on its machine, most notably what it calls a “real” 12-hour battery life. That’s said to be a combination of opting for a quality battery and taking advantage of Windows 7 features designed to extend battery life in Intel-based machines.
On the face of it, it seems a good deal for all concerned, even assuming AT&T is picking up the entire subsidy cost. The buyer gets what at least feels like a cheap price for a decent machine. Nokia gets to make its machine more attractive while still receiving the full retail price. And AT&T appears to be paying $300 to guarantee at least $1,440 worth of income.
The drawback is that it’s not going to appeal to people who don’t want mobile broadband, particularly those looking for a good deal on getting a spare machine for their home. It would seem better targeted at business users who spend a lot of time on the road, which makes limiting it to Best Buy a curious decision. That said, the exclusivity period will be over by next spring when many companies enter their new financial year and are more likely to begin splashing out on hardware again.
Related Posts:
October 15th, 2009
As we see Mobile Phone manufacturers like Nokia getting into Computer Hardware market and Computer Hardware manufacturer like Dell getting into Mobile phone market.
Dell is coming up with smart phone for AT&T early next year.