The Future is Now; Low cost computers with service contract (Free Computers to come)

[HappinessNow]

I wrote about this eventually happening years ago, I again wrote about Google Chrome partnershiping with service providers and hardware manufacturers to bring this to reality (that unique thread was unfortunately buried in the mega-thread).

The Future is Now; Low cost computers with service contract

I predict that eventually the computers will become free or nearly free.

$199 is pretty close already.

Verizon appears to be the first to start the trail blazing in this direction.

[doas777]

I really don;t like the idea of utility computing. i suppose i would love to have a star trek "pad" for lightweight stuff, but I don't really like he idea of giving a service providor that much control over my hardware. for now with ultraportables I suppose it's fine, but I don;t want it to become the norm for computing.

[swoll1980]

I like how it says "Includes the latest software! Microsoft Windows XP Home, Internet Explorer 7" Latest?

[HappinessNow]

If cloud computing is just the fad it appears to be, Chrome OS may have a very short lifespan.

You have a good point as we all do... ;)

[lisati]

Your opinion may not matter much in the bigger picture. ;)

How much does any opinion matter, when considered on its own?

:D

[cariboo]

The future is here already, I have satellite TV and I have seen several commercial from the north eastern US, where Comcast is giving away free Compaq minis when you get their full service package.

The local telephone monoply (Telus (http:///www.telus.com/cgi-ebs/jsp/selectRegion.jsp?rd=http://www.telus.com/%3f)) has had a program in place for several years, that if you sign a 3 year adsl contract, you get the choice of a low end Dell desktop or laptop for free.

[HappinessNow]

The future is here already, I have satellite TV and I have seen several commercial from the north eastern US, where Comcast is giving away free Compaq minis when you get their full service package.

The local telephone monoply (Telus (http:///www.telus.com/cgi-ebs/jsp/selectRegion.jsp?rd=http://www.telus.com/%3f)) has had a program in place for several years, that if you sign a 3 year adsl contract, you get the choice of a low end Dell desktop or laptop for free.
Awesome to hear, Thanks for the share.

[koleoptero]

The future is here already, I have satellite TV and I have seen several commercial from the north eastern US, where Comcast is giving away free Compaq minis when you get their full service package.

The local telephone monoply (Telus (http:///www.telus.com/cgi-ebs/jsp/selectRegion.jsp?rd=http://www.telus.com/%3f)) has had a program in place for several years, that if you sign a 3 year adsl contract, you get the choice of a low end Dell desktop or laptop for free.

It's happening here in Greece too from mobile network companies that offer netbooks for a two-year subscription in their data programs. Poor 3g coverage though means they're not doing as well as they should.

[The Real Dave]

Thats a bit worrying though to be honest. Didn't Microsoft want to start a pay-by-usage computer thing? Where you get the computer itself for half nothing, but pay for usage. Does it turn out that that computer is never really yours? I've had my current computer since '06, cost 650 Euro, surely "renting" it would have cost alot more.

As mentioned earlier, it gives the service provider a lot more control over what should be YOUR computer. Who decides if your allowed upgrade hardware? Change OS? :confused:

[koleoptero]

Thats a bit worrying though to be honest. Didn't Microsoft want to start a pay-by-usage computer thing? Where you get the computer itself for half nothing, but pay for usage. Does it turn out that that computer is never really yours? I've had my current computer since '06, cost 650 Euro, surely "renting" it would have cost alot more.

As mentioned earlier, it gives the service provider a lot more control over what should be YOUR computer. Who decides if your allowed upgrade hardware? Change OS? :confused:

I can see your point but getting a computer for free with some internet connection program isn't exactly the same. You can throw the connection out the window and keep the computer as long as you're paying what your contract says you should.

[.Maleficus.]

A week or two ago we had a deal at Best Buy where you get a Compaq netbook (Atom N270, 1GB RAM, 160GB HDD, Intel graphics of some sort) for $0.99 with a 2-year aircard contract from Sprint.

[HappinessNow]

A week or two ago we had a deal at Best Buy where you get a Compaq netbook (Atom N270, 1GB RAM, 160GB HDD, Intel graphics of some sort) for $0.99 with a 2-year aircard contract from Sprint.

I wonder how many people are biting on these deals?

[3rdalbum]

A few years ago there were "free" computers that were advertising-supported. This was before the word "adware" was well-known, but I guess that's basically what they were.

Those businesses failed very quickly.

[koleoptero]

I wonder how many people are biting on these deals?

It's not a bad solution for people that need wireless internet because there's no adsl or cable support where they live. Or if they move around a lot.