Vodafone and Dell launch $0 upfront laptops

Dell and Vodafone have joined forces to launch a $0 upfront mobile broadband netbook deal. The deal combines the Dell Mini 9 with a Vodafone $70 a month plan that includes a 5GB data allowance.

The Mini 9 weighs in at just over one kilo and features an 8.9 inch screen The netbook includes a built in 3G modem eliminating the need for a USB dongle.

The companies are pitching teh deal at users that don’t want to carry a chunky computer in their bag but need the ability to access web tools like Facebook and email on the go.

Dell’s consumer sales and marketing manager for Australia and New Zealand, Evan Williams, commented:
“This is exactly what we brought this product market for. This really is going to open up freedom to consumers to get out there and roam, be anywhere and be connected with a relatively large screen … and do all those things they like doing on the internet.”

Vodafone general manager of consumer markets, Edward Goff,suggested the product would be ideal for users that wanted the convenience of a small computer coupled with the flexibility of mobile email and web access.

“It does a lot more than a smartphone and it sits nicely between a smartphone and a laptop – so this is a lightweight, convenient, smaller PC/laptop that allows a customer complete flexibility to get on the web and use email and Facebook,”

Telstra previously launched a $0 upfront plan for users in May of this year – howvere that plan was far more expensive at $99 a month and only 1 GB of data included.

Source: SMH