Telecoms selling netbooks as part of a data plan package?
That could be a looming possibility as netbook makers Acer and Dell have both expressed their plans of rolling out versions of the Acer Aspire One and Inspiron Mini 9 that are equipped with a 3G module. Partnering with a telecom firm makes perfect sense since they will primarily be the ones responsible for delivering such mobile broadband services to these devices.
Acer in Taiwan has already announced their partnership with Taiwan Mobile to sell the netbook at a subsidized price as part of a data plan package, but has yet to release a statement if they will make the 3G-capable Aspire One available in the US/Canda and whether they’ll tie-up with any telecom in the region. Dell, for their part, has made known their plan on releasing a 3G-equipped model before the year ends though no telecom firm was mentioned as a possible distributor at the moment.
As current technology further blurs the lines that divide mobile phones and fully capable mobile computers, it seems like the telecom industry might be in for a sudden change as far as their product line is concerned. 3G/mobile data services are no longer exclusive to mobile phones as netbooks and other full-sized laptops are beginning to incorporate 3G-connectivity as part of their arsenal.
The likelihood that one day you'll have to choose whether to get an iPhone or an Insipiron Mini 9 as part of a data plan is looking more possible as the months go by and the mobile industry (not limited to phones, but laptops as well) continues to grow. If such an offer becomes available, which one will you most likely get; a mobile phone or a 3G-equipped netbook?
