RSS Feeds
Computers
Telstra Giving Away Free Laptops (Kinda)
Posted by Nick Broughall at 10:29 AM on May 22, 2008
Something about this feels... weird. I mean, it's a really good idea - if you have an ABN (that is, you're a business owner), you can get a laptop (valued at up to $700) for $0 up front. All you need to do is pay $99 per month over a 36 month contract, and you get a Turbo 3 Series USB wireless broadband modem with 1GB of data every month plus the laptop. I mean, that sounds good, right? But it's from Telstra? Where's the catch? As I said, this feels weird.
Well, there is no "catch" as such - Telstra are pretty open about the whole thing. The value of the free laptop is $700, which does restrict choice, but if you want a better specced model you can pay the difference. It's also a 36 month contract, with a minimum cost of $3,564 plus excess usage charges. I guess with just 1GB included, the whole excess data cost of 30c/MB could be considered a bit steep, but it is Telstra, and their mobile data charges are fairly well known for being expensive.
The arrangement is done exclusively through selected dealers including Harvey Norman, ICT Distribution and Techhead Interactive, and the deal ends on June 30.
It's a really good idea, and hopefully we'll see some other networks follow the big T's lead on this one. We've all been signing up for subsidised phones on 24 month contracts for years, so hopefully it will work for laptops as well.
[Telstra]
Well, there is no "catch" as such - Telstra are pretty open about the whole thing. The value of the free laptop is $700, which does restrict choice, but if you want a better specced model you can pay the difference. It's also a 36 month contract, with a minimum cost of $3,564 plus excess usage charges. I guess with just 1GB included, the whole excess data cost of 30c/MB could be considered a bit steep, but it is Telstra, and their mobile data charges are fairly well known for being expensive.
The arrangement is done exclusively through selected dealers including Harvey Norman, ICT Distribution and Techhead Interactive, and the deal ends on June 30.
It's a really good idea, and hopefully we'll see some other networks follow the big T's lead on this one. We've all been signing up for subsidised phones on 24 month contracts for years, so hopefully it will work for laptops as well.
[Telstra]
Comments
M K'dri
Posted May 22, 2008 11:24 AM
Wow, is this real?
This is great, but you have to have an ABN, What about people who don't have ABN? They should allow this for private people too.
MK
http://www.multimediadevices.net
StevoTheDevo
Posted May 22, 2008 1:31 PM
Why is it great to spend $3600 on a $700 laptop??
or why is $2900 a good deal for a 36 month, 1Gb/mth data plan??
Are Telstra's Next G data plans really that expensive??
Surely anyone can buy a cheap laptop on finance if they can't spring for $700 up front, and still be better off buying their data plan separately!!
Even through Telstra!!
Nick Broughall
Posted May 22, 2008 1:43 PM
If you're after mobile broadband (and let's, for arguments sake, say that you live in a rural area that only has NextG coverage), being able to roll your "laptop purchase" and your mobile internet into one monthly fee could be convenient. Especially if you can't afford the $700 up front.
Sure you could flexirent or some other process, but you're still going to be paying $90 a month on wireless broadband.
I think you need to look at this as a convenience, much like getting a phone for $0 up front on a plan. Sure, you'll pay more in the long run, but at least you can have that new phone (or laptop) now instead of months down the track.
David
Posted May 22, 2008 2:02 PM
When I was in Sweden earlier this year, subsidised notebooks sold with mobile phone plans are as normal as subsidised handsets with mobile phone plans. Anyone can buy one (there is no "ABN only" restriction), and you had a selection of notebooks in the same way you have a selection of handsets. Personally, the scheme makes sense to me and if more mobile providers follow suit, you'll see prices drop and more choice for consumers.
Steve
Posted May 22, 2008 2:11 PM
I've noticed a few carriers around the world doing similar deals but with the ASUS Eee PC.
At least then you only get weighed down by the bill.
Chris
Posted May 22, 2008 7:15 PM
How is locking yourself into a $99/mth 3G plan that gives you a measely 1GB and outrageous excess usage charges a good deal?
Is it April 1st or have I missed something?
para
Posted May 22, 2008 9:24 PM
Sorry, I don' like it when I hear about 'good' Telstra deals from a site with a big fat Big Pond sponsorship logo. Call me paranoid...
Reactive
Posted May 23, 2008 12:47 AM
I'm with StevoTheDevo...Is this an ad in disguise? Sounds like a pretty horrible deal.
Andrew
Posted May 23, 2008 5:53 PM
Buy a decent laptop $1200-$1700-ish dollars (a lot better than a $700 one)
36 months on three mobile broadband @ $15 a month for 1GB: $540, plus the cost of the modem for 24 months @ $5 a month: $120
Total maximum cost with $1700 notebook: $2360
This is just another typical Telstra rip-off!