Netbook Promos
With reference to my earlier post on telco operators bundling netbooks with the mobile broadband plans, I’ve done some research myself and thought might as well share it with you guys out there.
M1 has partnered with Dell to integrate mobile data connectivity into their latest Dell™ Inspiron™ Mini 9. This means you can enjoy broadband speeds of up to 7.2Mbps without the need for a separate datacard or WiFi hotspot. Here’s the promotional price plan:
| Fixed Broadband bundle | Mobile Broadband bundle | |||||
| Plans | 15 Mbps | 2 Mbps | 4 Mbps | 7.2 Mbps | ||
| Monthly Subscription | $78 | $38.72 | $51.36 | $69.30 | ||
| Dell™ Inspiron™ Mini 9 | $0 | $321 | $214 | $107 | ||
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The good thing about M1 though is that if offers unlimited data usage, so you don’t have to worry about exceeding your bandwidth and paying through your nose. Personally, I’m an M1 mobile broadband user myself and I’m quite happy with the reception. Though the connection speed tends to be unstable at times, with the connection dropping off. Not sure if its the Huawei modem problem or the service itself.
But having said that, I think Dell is going to launch (or has already launched) their new range of Inspirion Mini 10. So maybe its a better idea to wait for a better deal from M1. But then again, if you need the netbook urgently or simply just too eager to get your hands on one, then I think M1′s offer is quite decent.
Here’s Dell’s Inspirion Mini’s specification:
| Specifications | |
| Processor | Intel® Atom™ Processor 1.6GHZ D-ville |
| Operating System | Windows XP Home SP3 |
| Memory | 1GB |
| Hard Drive | 8GB Solid State Drive |
| LCD Display | 8.9″ WSVGA TL |
| Graphics Card | Intel® GMA 950 |
| Wi-Fi/Network Card | 802.11B/G |
| Dimensions | Height 16.8mm – 31.7mm Width 232mm Depth 172mm |
| Weight | 1.035KG |
| Integrated Camera | 0.3 MP |
| WWAN | WWAN enabled – Embedded |
| Power | 32 Whr 4-cell |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Adapter | 30w AC Adapter |
Starhub on the other hand has chose to tie up with HP. Of all the netbooks that I’ve been looking at, HP seems one of the best in terms of design, specifications, and reviews. We’ll I’m not saying Dell isn’t good. I’ve already gotten a Dell XPS laptop myself and I’m not exactly a fan of Dell’s designs. In fact I think even their new range of Adamo Laptops is a little “boring”.
Like M1, Starhub also offers unlimited usage plans so consumers won’t need to worry about bursting their monthly quota. Pricing wise, they may be a little more than M1.
More good news for existing Starhub Mobile users, or Maxonline users. If you’re already a member of the so-called “hubclub” then you get to enjoy further reductions to the subscription plan.
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50% OFF MaxMobile SurfLite
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| 2Mbps plan @ $19.36/month (Usual: $38.72) With a new or re-contract sign up to MaxOnline/mobile mobile phone voice package. Valid with a 24-month contract |
The only draw back though is the not-so-attractive price tag labelled with the HP Mini. As of now, Starhub is offering it at $298 or $398 depending on which mobile broadband packaged is signed up. Of course the more expensive MaxMobile Ultimate would get you the netbook at the cheaper price. Since the market price of the netbook is going at $999, then logically it would be quite a good deal. Well, think again. Starhub threw in another condition below that the promotion requires a trade in of a $200 mobile phone.
Anyway if you guys are still keen, then here’s the specifications of the HP Mini
| Processor | Intel® Atom™ Processor 1.6GHz | |
| Operating System | Genuine Microsoft® Windows® XP Home | |
| Graphics | Integrated Graphics Accelerator | |
| Display | 10.2” | |
| Standard memory | 1024MB (1024MB Max) | |
| Hard Drive | 60GB | |
| Optical Drive | NA | |
| Media Card | 2in1(SD and MMC) | |
| Networking | No integrated dial-up modem, Integrated 10/100 LAN, Integrated 802.11b/g Broadcom, Integrated WWAN up to 7.2Mbps | |
| I/O Ports | 2 x USB, RJ45 | |
| Audio | High Definition Audio | |
| Battery | 3-cell Li-ion | |
| Warranty | One year local warranty carry-in | |
| Approximate Notebook Unit | Dimension | 261.7mm(L) x 166.6mm(W) x 25.13mm(H) |
| Weight | 1.1kg with 10.2″LCD | |
Hope the above information helps those who are really keen on getting a netbook. But if it were me, I’d continue waiting. Singtel hasn’t come in with any promotions yet. Wait a while more as the Netbook price wars has probably just begun.
