Japan Has Sub-Notebooks For $1 With Data Plans

[froggyboy604]

I've thought for awhile that the key to selling the super cheap yet very underpowered sub-notebooks that are exploding all over the place would be carrier subsidization, and now a carrier in Japan is taking the the idea and running with it, selling the Eee PC 701 for less than $1 American with a data plan contract, much like how we get cell phones. These devices often feature 4G—in this case with an external wireless modem—networking, which means you get an always-on Internet connection for your tiny laptop for less than $65 a month. American carriers, are you paying attention? [JK On The Run, via Liliputing]

Source:: http://gizmodo.com/5024107/japan-has-su ... data-plans

It makes sense since people with notebooks usually use it for surfing online. But, there is probably a long term contract. Free laptop for $65 a month broadband. But, in the long run you probably be paying more then buying a better computer and $40 bucks a month internet.

[SetoTK]

$65 a month is over priced,

can't wait to see the £40 ($80usd) plans that hit the uk in 5 years


seems these toys are getting more popular, but will they replace the POS laptop, like so many products have tried,

[froggyboy604]

I think these toy laptops will replace PDAs amd Smartphones since PDA and smartphone cost a lot and have a small keyboard which chubby handed people can't use.

$45 a month be more reasonable if they promise to sell you a new laptop for a doller or replace it for free if it got stolen, broken, or lost.

[Hikari]

I think that's quite a good deal, despite the high monthly charge.