Radio Shack to sell $99 Acer Netbook, but there's a catch

(Credit: Boy Genius Report)

According to this leaked ad posted on Boy Genius Report, Radio Shack is poised to offer an Acer 8.9-inch Netbook for only $99 for people who sign up for a two-year mobile broadband contract through AT&T.

This type of subsidized Netbook is hardly surprising--in September, Dell CEO Michael Dell predicted we'd see them--but the fact that Radio Shack appears to be the first major retailer to bring it to the public is.

The tiny notebook features Intel's Atom processor, a 160GB internal hard drive, 1GB of RAM, Wi-Fi, and of course, built-in AT&T 3G that can be accessed anywhere AT&T offers coverage, all in a 2.2-pound package. The ad shows that the computer will be for sale at Radio Shack starting this Sunday.

While we like the rise of Netbooks in general as a way to truly democratize the Web, this deal isn't for everyone. Two years at $60 or more a month is quite a commitment, but for single people who are often on the go this makes more sense than home DSL or even a cable modem. (Though the data rates aren't comparable, the prices are, and the portable factor will outweigh the speed difference for some.)

Look for more deals like this in the near future, especially at 3G carriers' retail presences.

[7aji88]

If I can only access that data plan from my cell phone too. Just thinking, that would be nicer.

Well, you could always swap the SIM, I guess?

[ceveret3]

I think I'm going to buy the laptop and and data plan. wait 2 days and then cancel the data plan and pay the $200 cancel fee. So thats a Net book for only $299!

[narduk]

i had the same though. save 200 bucks ($499 without the contract)

[forever4now]

If they offered the Linux version, they could almost give it away, since they wouldn't have to pay for the Windows license.

[wiredchicken]

That is such a scam almost, it says $99.00, and then it says in really really small letters 2 year contract $60.00 a month, come on!!! All it is, is a really cumbersome cell phone. CANCEL the horrible broadband contract, and all you have to do is to hook it up to a wireless internet usb adapter! But still if it sounds to good to be true, try to find out more about it (extra fees)!!!

[cobradane]

um.... not to flame; but it's so much more than a cell phone; show me a cell phone with an 8.9" screen, a full keyboard, and 160GB hard drive; for $300 (the price if you cancel the contract)
Also, it HAS a built in wireless card, a wireless internet USB adapter uses wifi networks, not 3G or cell phone service; that netbook would get internet basically anywhere, not just within 30 feet of any wifi hotspot. So, yes, the fine print will end up costing a lot, but even at $300, you dont need any USB adapter; it's a pretty good deal.

[UITD]

Wireless is not safe. I wouldn't use wireless if you had a gun to my head. At least the 3G is somewhat safer. But, do the math, you'd best get this small notebook at Costco for less and use a WIRED connection at your home for safety and for already-paid-for internet.

[Sesquipedalic]

Grand total= $1,539 plus tax