Remember Vodafone’s Dell Mini 9 Deal? The one where you got a free Mini 9 for $0 upfront on a 24-month contract? Well, Voda have just made the deal sweeter (though still not sweeter than buying the Mini 9 upfront and adding a 3G data plan) by dropping the monthly repayments to $60 a month. On top of that, they’re also offering “three months free access) where new customers will be credited for the 5th, 6th and 7th month of their 24-month contract.
UPDATE: Voda’s PR has informed me, with some mathematic evidence, that it is actually cheaper to buy the Mini 9 this way rather than buy the notebook outright and add Voda’s 3G data plan, even without the three months free access, by about $100. That makes this even more appealing!If you are struggling financially and need the help only a 24-month contract can provide in order to be able to afford a new netbook, than check this out. If not, it’s still cheaper to buy the netbook outright and add a 3G data plan on top. Either way, the Voda press release is below:
Vodafone sweetens its 5GB Dell Offer
Vodafone Australia today announced it is rolling back the price of its 5GB Dell Offer; from $69.95 to $59.95 per month on a 24-month contract.
From January 19, the Inspiron Mini 9 with embedded SIM and bundled mobile broadband, will be available on a $59.95 per month plan, including 5GB of Mobile Broadband data per month on a 24 month contract.
The shift in price will also coincide with Vodafone’s ‘three-month free access’ offer’, where new customers will be credited for the fifth, sixth and seven months of their 24-month contract. Vodafone’s three month free access’ offer has been extended exclusively for the 5GB Dell Offer until March 31, 2009.
Helen Tuffy, Head of Consumer Data at Vodafone comments: “Netbooks are set to be the success story of 2009, giving customers the freedom to stay connected while on-the-go.
“Boasting the familiar user experience of a laptop computer, the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 features an 8.9″ screen, 1GB RAM, has wi-fi connectivity, and runs on Windows XP. Weighing in at just over one kilo, the Inspiron Mini 9 is testament to the adage, ‘good things come in small packages’.”
The Inspiron Mini 9 with embedded SIM and bundled Mobile Broadband is available for purchase at selected Vodafone stores and online at www.vodafone.com.au
Dell Inspiron Mini 9 with embedded SIM and Mobile Broadband Technical SpecificationsProcessor
Intel® Atom™ Processor (1.6GHz, 512KB L2 Cache, 533MHz FSB)
Operating System
Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition SP3
Memory
1GB 533MHz DDR2 SDRAM
Chipset
Intel® 945PM / GS Express Chipset
Graphics
Intel® Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator 950
Display
Glossy 8.9 inch LED display (1024 x 600)
Audio and Speakers
One external speaker
Hard Drive
16GB solid state
Optical Drive
None
Ports
USB 2.0 (3)
Integrated 10/100 LAN (RJ45)
15-pin VGA video connector
Audio jacks (1 line-out, 1 mic-in)
Media card reader
AC adapter connector
Power4-cell primary battery
Camera
1.3MP webcam
Wireless
Vodafone Mobile Broadband Built-in
802.11g mini-card
Bluetooth® Internal (2.0) mini-card
SoftwareMicrosoft Works (productivity suite for word processing, spreadsheets and presentations)
Vodafone Mobile Connect
Dimensions & WeightWidth: 9.13″ (232mm)
Height: 0.66″ (16.8mm) front / 1.25″ (31.7mm) back
Depth: 6.77″ (172mm)
Weight: Starting weight of 2.28 lbs. (1.035 kg) (8.9″ display, 4 cell battery). Weights will vary depending on configurations and manufacturing variabilityNotes to Editors
Available to approved customers who commit for 24 months and pay by direct debit. Offer is subject to change and available in selected stores while stocks last.
Minimum monthly cost is $59.95 ($39.95 for 5GB Mobile Broadband Plan plus $20 for Netbook). Minimum total cost over 24 months is $1,438.80. Paperless billing applies.
Early Exit Fee is $45 ($25 5GB Mobile Broadband Plan plus $20 for Netbook) x months remaining on the contract.
Data expires each month and is for use in Australia only. Excess data charged at 10c/MB. Netbook not for individual sale without a Vodafone Mobile Broadband plan.
Vodafone Mobile Broadband subject to network limitations and availability and device capability. The 3G broadband network covers selected metro areas of most capital cities and selected parts of the NSW Central Coast, Gold & Sunshine Coasts; not available in TAS or NT. Outside 3G broadband areas Vodafone Mobile Internet operates at slower access and download speeds on Vodafone’s 2.5G network. See vodafone.com.au/coverage for details.
3 months free access offer available until 31/03/09. 3 months free access will be applied as a $59.95 credit to your 5th, 6th and 7th bills. Offer applies to access fees only. Any charges for additional or excluded services will still apply. Vodafone Pty Limited ABN 76 062 954 554.
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