Acer netbook for $99.99, but there's a catch
Radio Shack is now advertising a $99.99 Acer netbook on its Web site. Yet to get the Windows XP-enabled device at that price, you also need to sign up for a two-year 3G wireless contract from AT&T.
The only catch in the deal for the Acer Aspire One netbooks is that you need to agree to a two-year contract with AT&T's DataConnect service, at a price of $60 per month.
An ad for the 8.9-inch, 2.2-pound Acer device, previously leaked to at least one media outlet, is now running live on the home page of Radio Shack's Web site. The deal is good from December 14 through December 24, according to the ad, which also notes that without activation for AT&T's 3G service, the Aspire One is sold at Radio Shack for $499.99.
The $99.99 special is offered at Radio Shack stores only, rather than through online sales. But the ad on the site also includes a "Find-A-Store" button for locating stores where Aspire One sales and AT&T activation are available.
Aside from 3G access, the Windows XP-enabled netbook also comes with integrated 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, and 4G WiMAX.
Other features include an Intel Atom processor; an 8.9-inch backlit LCD screen with 1024-by-600 resolution; a 160 GB hard drive with 1 GB of memory; three on-board USB 2.0 ports; a Multi-in-One media card reader; and a three-cell lithium ion battery billed as providing about 2.5 hours of power.
While the $60 price for the AT&T Data Communications service might seem steep, the deal could make sense for some on-the-go users, especially those who are content to use the slower 3G service as a replacement for cable or DSL services during times when they're tethered.
But if 4G WiMAX services could be headed to your neighborhood, maybe it's better to hold off on making a two-year commitment for 3G.
Although US retailers have been subsidizing mobile phones for many years now, Radio Shack is the first to run a subsidized deal for a netbook.
The Acer Aspire One deal is exclusive to Radio Shack, yet there's no reason why similar netbook deals couldn't ultimately become available in the US, perhaps involving other retailers and manufacturers. Reportedly, retailers in Germany and some other countries have already been selling netbooks bundled with 3G services.
Along with the main deal, Radio Shack is also running an "Essential Bundle" offer, which includes a Radio Shack Service Plan (regularly priced at $139.99); Gigaware wireless laser mouse with ultra-compact dongle; and Targus netbook bag, all for $149.97 above the $99.99 price for the activated Acer Aspire.
Alternatively, for an additional $249.96 above the $99.99 price, Radio Shack will throw in those three items plus an iGo EveryWhereMax 90-watt power charger, designed to work in any wall, in-flight, or in-vehicle outlet.