As expected, Verizon has launched its first subsidized netbook in the HP Mini.
The netbook itself features Qualcomm’s GOBI tri-mode EVDO/UMTS/GSM/EDGE 3G modem with dual-band EVDO Rev. A, quadband GSM/EDGE and triband HSPA access with US 3G support.
Major hardware specifications consist of a 10.1 inch display, 1.6GHz Atom processor, 1GB RAM expandable to 2GB, 80 GB Hard drive with Windows XP SP3 installed, a 1.3 megapixel webcam, SD/MMC card reader, and Wi-Fi radio.
The HP Mini 1151NR is $519.99 Month-to Month, $349.99 on a 1 year agreement and $249.99 on a 2 year agreement before a $50 instant rebate bringing the totals to $299.99 and $199.99 after selecting either the $40/month or the $60/month data plans which are set at 250 MB and 5 GB monthly access respectively.
Buy the HP Mini 1151R from Verizon Wireless
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do you have to pay for the plan per month or is it optional?
Yes, and Pay Per Day ($15/day) is offered as well.
However, in both instances, you would have to pay the full retail price (or, sign up for a month and pay the $175 termination fee).
There is no termination fee for a month-to-month plan as there is no contract involved. But surprisingly, even though the retail price in that case is $519 (expensive!) the same configuration on HP’s website is $569. Size and keyboard is terriffic but the slow small hard drive and low-res screen aren’t all that great for the price although the subsidy certainly helps. If HP would put an industry-standard SATA 160 Gig HD and a 1366×768 screen on it then all other specs being equal I’d be all over it.
As it it, the MiFi gateway is a better deal due to it’s versatility.
Jim, of course there is no termination fee on a month-to-month plan.
What we were trying to be subtle in pointing out was, it’s cheaper to buy the Mini on a contract, and pay the ETF, than it is to pay Verizon’s full retail price.
In fact, with the ETF, the Verizon Mini variant comes to only $375. Not anywhere near $519 or $569.
Umm