NetbookTech

AT&T announces two new mobile broadband-enabled netbooks into the mix – the Samsung Go and Acer Aspire One – both of which feature the new Windows 7 OS. The new netbooks will be available for $199 after a mail-in rebate via an AT&T promotion card as well as a new two year DataConnect service contract with AT&T.

The Samsung Go weighs in at around 2.8 pounds and features the Intel Atom N270 processor, 1GB of RAM, a 160GB HDD, a 4 cell battery, 3 USB 2.0 ports, external VGA port, 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi, Ethernet connectivity, 3 in 1 media card reader, 1.3 megapixel camera, and a 10.1 inch 1024 x 600 resolution display. Even better, the Go will come with Windows 7 Starter Edition vs the more common (and older Windows XP Home Edition).

The Acer Aspire One is even lighter than the Go, weighing in at a mere 2.2 pounds. Features include an Intel Atom processor, 160GB HDD, 1GB of RAM, HD audio support, two built-in speakers, three USB 2.0 ports, and a built-in webcam.

AT&T offers two DataConnect plans to choose from for netbook systems – a 200MB plan for $35 dollars per month and a 5GB plan for $60 dollars a month. Customers will also get free use of AT&T’s Wi-Fi service available in more than 200,000 hotspots around the country.  Both netbooks come equipped with AT&T’s Communication Manager (ACM) 7.0 software package to help manage and use their wireless connections.

Sprint and Best Buy have hit a new low (price wise that is) when it comes to netbook/mobile broadband bundles. In this week’s circular, Best Buy is offering the Compaq 1040DX netbook for a mere 99 cents if you also purchase a new Sprint two year Mobile Broadband agreement. Not a fan of Sprint? Not a problem – you could go ahead and shell out $199 for the netbook and new two year accounts at either Verizon Wireless or AT&T.

Those of you not familiar with the Compaq 1040DX, here are the important specs for you to consider:

• Intel Atom N270 processor clocked at 1.6GHz
• 1GB RAM
• 10.1 inch 1024 x 576 (couldn’t even give us the 600 ??) LED display
• 160GB SATA HDD
• Intel GMA 950 graphics
• Built-in HP webcam
• 5-in-1 media card reader
• 3 USB 2.0 ports
• 802.11 b/g and Ethernet connectivity
• 3 hour battery life
• Windows XP Home Edition

So, if you’ve been thinking about getting a mobile broadband account, this might be a sweet deal to consider this week. If you don’t want to get a bundled netbook system, then also consider the Verizon Wireless MiFi 2200 Mobile Hotspot. With this single device, you can share your mobile broadband connection with up to 5 devices at a cost of $99.99 for the device and a new two year agreement with Verizon Wireless. (the device normally goes for $299.99)

The Boy Genius Report reports that Verizon Wireless will begin offering their first netbook/mobile broadband bundle starting on May 17th (which also happens to be the same day they’ll be offering their new MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot device). This first bundle will feature the HP Mini 1151NR netbook and will probably cost approximately $199 along with a new two year contract and a mail-in rebate. Yes, it is a bit pricey – especially compared to packages from other carriers.

Remember you can also purchase an HP Mini 1000 netbook directly from HP with an option to include mobile broadband support from either Verizon or AT&T. Of course going this route is even more expensive as you’ll only get a $100 dollar mail-in rebate debit card (along with a new 2 yr agreement).

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