The UK has seen a flood of mobile broadband deals which promise a free laptop or netbook as part of the contract. Whilst these deals are very popular with consumers it’s questionable whether or not they make financial sense.
These deals don’t actually offer a free laptop, the cost of the laptop is added to the cost of the monthly mobile broadband subscription and is paid for over the length of the contract which is usually 24 months. A quick look though the range of mobile broadband with free laptop deals on offer from Vodafone, Orange, O2 and 3 reveal that typically you will be paying between 5% and 20% more for the cost of the laptop and mobile broadband access compared to buying the two services separately.
Obviously the big benefit of these deals is that you spread the cost of the laptop over a 24 month period rather than paying for it upfront. However, if you can afford to buy the laptop separately this will work out cheaper and give you a wider choice of laptops and netbooks to choose from. Buying a laptop outright will also mean that you don’t need to commit to a 24 month mobile broadband contract and can choose a shorter contract or pay as you go option or opt for a home broadband deal.
It’s worth considering the type of broadband access too and not just basing your decision on the ‘free laptop’. Since most of these contracts are 24 months it’s important to get the right mobile broadband plan with the deal. Firstly it’s worth checking the providers site to see if you area has mobile broadband coverage and if so what type of signal (e.g. 3g or not) you can expect to receive as this will have a big influence on speeds. What ever your decision it’s well worth spending the extra time to do your research rather than being stuck with a lengthy and expensive contract that you later regret.
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