Vodafone "$0" upfront Dell netbook not so free

The Inspiron Mini 9 is available for $0 upfront on a $69.95 per month plan, including 5GB of Mobile Broadband data per month on a 24 month contract

However the offer comes with conditions which includes; product available to approved customers who commit for 24 months and pay by direct debit; minimum monthly cost is $69.95 ($39.95 for 5GB mobile broadband plan plus $30 for Netbook); minimum total cost is $1,678.80; early exit fee is $55 ($25 5GB mobile broadband plan plus $30 for Netbook) x months remaining on contract; data expires each month and is for use in Australia only. Excess data charged at 0.10c/MB.

The Dell Inspiron Mini 9 netbook has a $549 starting price on its Website and can be purchased from Officeworks retail stores.

This model of the Inspiron Mini 9 netbook features an embedded 3G mobile broadband modem and comes preloaded with Vodafone’s Mobile Connect software.

Weighing in at 1.035kg, the netbook is a mobile Internet companion, delivering connectivity in a slim, sleek, alpine white design.

Running the familiar Windows XP operating system, the Inspiron Mini 9 boasts an 8.9 inch LED display, 1.3 mega pixel webcam, memory card reader, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 16GB solid state drive (SSD) storage.

The built-in 3G modem also delivers increased battery life and network reception, compared to using a USB modem.

According to Edward Goff, general manager of Vodafone’s consumer markets, the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 delivers flexibility, reliability and speed, for email and internet browsing on-the-go.

“The Inspiron Mini 9 offers the familiar user experience of a traditional laptop computer, while its compact and lightweight casing gives convenience and mobility of the latest smart phones,” he said.

“Customers can now use a single device to log on and access their emails, catch up on the latest news headlines, or update their social networking page, anywhere, anytime,” said Goff.

The Inspiron Mini 9 Netbook that is supplied by Dell to Vodafone is not for individual sale without a Vodafone Mobile Broadband plan.

Vodafone Mobile Broadband subject to network limitations and availability and device capability.

The 3G broadband network covers selected metro areas of most capital cities and selected parts of the NSW Central Coast, Gold & Sunshine Coasts; not available in TAS or NT.

Outside 3G broadband areas Vodafone Mobile Internet operates at slower access and download speeds on Vodafone’s 2.5G network.