Netbooks are all the rage recently, and I was even contemplating purchasing one recently, so I would not have to lug around my laptop everywhere. However, I decided to sideline my netbook purchase for the new BlackBerry Curve 8900, which will be available at AT&T in June. If you want a netbook, Verizon Wireless will be selling HP Mini 1151NR netbooks for $199.99 with a 2-year wireless broadband services contract. The only caveat to this is that the wireless broadband service costs $40 a month for 250 MB of data or $60 a month for 5 GB of data.
According to CNET News, this is not a good deal, considering that most netbooks are retailing at a cost of about $300. Over time, the Verizon netbook plan will cost anywhere between $1000-$1600/year, which is not a bargain considering that most places have wi-fi access.
At this cost, it would be more cost effective to purchase a netbook at a retailer, like Micro Center, and utilize the free wi-fi access at places like Panera Bread, the library, or even pay the minimal costs at Starbucks to get online. Verizon’s offer is probably not worth its weight in gold.
You’re going to love the Curve 8900. I’ve had mine a week and already can’t part with it.
I wanted an iPhone, but I decided to stick with BlackBerry, as I can’t part with many of the features offered with my Curve 8300 that the iPhone does not offer. Additionally, the data plans are cheaper with the BlackBerry over the iPhone.
Since I’m contemplating buying a netbook, why did you pick the new BlackBerry over that? Also, are you still planning to get a netbook at some point? BTW, I think you’re right about Verizon’s deal. I’ve seen netbooks advertised for $199 on Dell specials. and Best Buy has had them for $299 (really just over $300 by the time you’ve actually bought one)
I haven’t bought the new BlackBerry yet, since my contract is not ready for renewal until November. I like the mobility of the BlackBerry, but I haven’t ruled out the netbook purchase.