Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Sprint reportedly cancelling its early upgrade program June 1st (update)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/16/sprint-cancelling-early-upgrades/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/16/sprint-cancelling-early-upgrades/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/16/sprint-cancelling-early-upgrades/#comments Image

Like dominoes, Sprint's consumer-friendly policies continue to fall one at a time. Citing "high costs," the Now Network will begin discontinuing its practice of allowing customers to upgrade their phone 10-14 days prior to the official date of eligibility. According to the memo leaked by TechnoBuffalo, the program will cease to exist as of June 1st. It sounds like this policy change is an unfortunate consequence of the company's large investments in iPhones and its still-dormant LTE network. It may not be enough to convince many Sprint customers to jump ship, but this isn't the first cost-cutting measure put forth by Dan Hesse's team -- and we have a hard time believing it will be the last. We've reached out to Sprint for official comment and will update you as soon as we have word.

Update: Sprint sent us a statement about the matter, which you can read below. Apparently, no actual changes to the policy are taking place -- rather, a "reason code" used by customer care representatives to justify early upgrades was removed.

Here's Sprint's statement on the policy:

We are not making any policy change regarding our phone upgrades. In fact, the 14-day upgrade window was never a program or a policy to our customers - so there is nothing to cancel. We are removing a 'reason code' that made it possible for care reps to sometimes offer an early upgrade - but that code in the system was redundant with the early upgrade benefit we already offer customers.

The reality is we already provide customers an early upgrade benefit when they sign up for service by rolling their upgrade eligibility back to the first day of the month. So, if you purchase a phone on the 31st of the month - your upgrade eligibility is rolled to the first of the month (after 20 months). So, that is a 30 day early upgrade advantage. If you bought your phone on the 18th of the month - you would have an 18 day early upgrade advantage, etc.

And, if customers have an issue with an inoperable or broken phone before the upgrade date, there are several options they can check into - depending on if they have insurance, they can work with our Service & Repair, or they can buy a refurbished phone, or, in some cases, we can buy back the customer's phone.

Sprint reportedly cancelling its early upgrade program June 1st (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>early upgradeEarlyUpgradeleakleaksmobilepostminipolicypolicy changePolicyChangerumorrumorssprintsubsidiessubsidizedupgrade policyUpgradePolicyWed, 16 May 2012 11:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft officially offering Xbox 360 4GB console for $99, two-year Live Gold subscription required]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/07/microsoft-officially-offering-xbox-360-4gb-console-for-99-dollars/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/07/microsoft-officially-offering-xbox-360-4gb-console-for-99-dollars/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/07/microsoft-officially-offering-xbox-360-4gb-console-for-99-dollars/#comments xbox 360 subsidzed deal

Whoa, Nelly! As rumored, Microsoft is indeed shattering the home console pricing paradigm by trying something that US wireless carriers have been doing for years. As of now, the official Microsoft Store is hosting up a coupon that'll enable prospective Xbox buyers to snag a 4GB console bundle for just $99 (a $200 savings versus the outright unit)... so long as you agree to pay $14.99 per month for two solid years. That monthly fee -- which amounts to some $360 over the 24 month term -- gets you on the Xbox Live network with a Gold subscription, but remember, Microsoft's maintaining the ability to "terminate this offer at any time." Looking to score one yourself? Hit the source link and visit that "Find a store" icon; hopefully there's a B&M Microsoft Store near your neck of the woods.

Update: In case you're curious, yes, early termination fees will apply if you cut out of your two-year deal early. It's a prorated affair, with users asked to pay less the longer they maintain the contract. Those who part ways after only a month will have to pay $250, while those who cancel with just a month remaining will owe $12. All told, someone buying this and keeping true to the contract terms will pay $459 for the bundle and Live access, whereas those buying outright could snag it for $420 (or less, if scouring the web for cheaper Live subscriptions). The full ETF schedule is shown after the break.

Update II: Joystiq has confirmed that, for now, this is simply a pilot program. These machines will be sold only through the 16 US-based Microsoft Stores, and we can only assume the marketing and finance folks at the company will be watching reception like hawks.

Continue reading Microsoft officially offering Xbox 360 4GB console for $99, two-year Live Gold subscription required

Microsoft officially offering Xbox 360 4GB console for $99, two-year Live Gold subscription required originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 May 2012 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsbundleconsoledealgaminggaming consoleGamingConsolehardwaremicrosoftmicrosoft xbox 360MicrosoftXbox360salesubsidizedxboxxbox 360Xbox360Mon, 07 May 2012 12:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft reportedly launching subsidized Xbox 360 bundle next week for $99 with a two-year subscription]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/microsoft-reportedly-launching-subsidized-xbox-360-bundle-next-w/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/microsoft-reportedly-launching-subsidized-xbox-360-bundle-next-w/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/microsoft-reportedly-launching-subsidized-xbox-360-bundle-next-w/#comments

Microsoft has long been pushing to get the Xbox 360 into as many living rooms as possible, and it looks like it could now be about to attempt a new tactic to further expand its reach. According to The Verge's sources, the company will launch a new bundle next week that will include both a 4GB Xbox 360 console and a Kinect sensor for just $99 -- the only catch being that you'll also have to sign a two-year contract at a rate of $15 a month. That will give you access to the Xbox Live Gold service, and potentially some additional streaming content, as well as a two-year warranty (there's also naturally an early termination fee for those that break the contract). From the sound of things, though, the new offering could be getting something of a soft launch -- the only outlet mentioned for the bundle so far is the rather limited number of Microsoft Stores in the US.

Microsoft reportedly launching subsidized Xbox 360 bundle next week for $99 with a two-year subscription originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 11:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundlecontracthdpostcrosskinectmicrosoftmicrosoft storemicrosoft storesMicrosoftStoreMicrosoftStoressubscriptionsubsidizedxboxxbox 360Xbox360Wed, 02 May 2012 11:37:00 EST<![CDATA[T-Mobile CMO: subsidized pricing hurts wireless competition, undermines hardware value]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/11/t-mobile-cmo-subsidized-pricing-hurts-wireless-competition-und/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/11/t-mobile-cmo-subsidized-pricing-hurts-wireless-competition-und/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/11/t-mobile-cmo-subsidized-pricing-hurts-wireless-competition-und/#comments Could an end to unsubsidized smartphones be on its way for US carriers? If T-Mobile's Chief Marketing Officer Cole Brodman had his way, that familiar on-contract pricing would've gone the way of the Dodo a long time ago. Speaking at this week's GeekWire Summit in Seattle, the Magenta exec vented his frustrations with the industry's current business model, citing his belief that low cost handsets not only distort consumers' perspectives, effectively "[devaluing].. the hardware they are using," but also position wireless market players to compete unevenly. When pressed as to why his own network hadn't effected the change, Brodman referenced the lack of cooperation from other major operators, in addition to a market driven by subscribers' purchase habits. As for the fourth place network's glaring iPhone omission, Brodman seemed nonplussed, highlighting the variety of Android and Windows Phones available on its lineup, while asserting his faith in a multi-OS marketplace. While you keep those toes crossed in the hopes of a subsidy-free mobile future, check out the source below for the full panel interview.

T-Mobile CMO: subsidized pricing hurts wireless competition, undermines hardware value originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 11 Mar 2012 02:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cole brodmanColeBrodmanGeekWire SummitGeekwireSummitmobile industryMobileIndustrymobilepostcrosssubsidiessubsidizedT-MobilewirelessSun, 11 Mar 2012 02:41:00 EST<![CDATA[T-Mobile Springboard review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/08/t-mobile-springboard-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/08/t-mobile-springboard-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/08/t-mobile-springboard-review/#comments
When the Huawei MediaPad was first announced in June, it was notable for being the first tablet we'd heard of to run Android 3.2. Since then, the Acer Iconia Tab A100 and others have beat it to market, but its arrival in the US is timely nonetheless: it joins the petite tablet party at about the same time as the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus and forthcoming Toshiba Thrive 7", to name a couple. We already knew that when the MediaPad landed here in the States it would be known as the T-Mobile Springboard, but the carrier just announced some key pricing and availability details: it'll go on sale November 16th for $430 off contract, or $180 with a two-year agreement and $50 mail-in rebate -- not surprising, given that we've been hearing this would cost less than $200 on contract.

In addition to running on T-Mobile's 14.4Mbps HSPA+ network, it has WiFi and GPS radios, a dual-core 1.2GHz chip made by Qualcomm, 227 pixels-per-inch IPS display, 5 megapixel rear-facing camera, a 1.3 shooter up front, 8GB of internal storage, a microSD slot and support for 1080p playback. We'll return to all those specs in detail after the break, but nonetheless, it's important to get them out of the way from the get-go. After all, there's soon to be a glut of Android 3.2 tablets, and it's worth asking if this one is worth the slightly high price -- or maybe even a two-year marriage to Big Magenta.

Gallery: T-Mobile Springboard review

Continue reading T-Mobile Springboard review

T-Mobile Springboard review originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>14.4mbps7 inch7 inch tablet7 inch tablets7-inch7-inch tablet7-inch tablets7-inchTablet7-inchTablets7Inch7InchTablet7InchTabletsAndroidAndroid 3.2android tabletAndroid tabletsAndroid3.2AndroidTabletAndroidTabletsGoogleHoneycombHoneycomb tabletHoneycomb tabletsHoneycombTabletHoneycombTabletshspa+Huaweihuawei mediapadHuaweiMediapadipsreviewspringboardsubsidizedT-Mobilet-mobile SpringboardT-mobileSpringboardTue, 08 Nov 2011 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[$35 Aakash Android tablet gets the hands-on treatment]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/27/35-aakash-android-tablet-gets-the-hands-on-treatment/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/27/35-aakash-android-tablet-gets-the-hands-on-treatment/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/27/35-aakash-android-tablet-gets-the-hands-on-treatment/#comments While everyone was in a tizzy about Amazon's $199 Kindle Fire price point, the Indian government was busily working to help bring out the $35 Aakash Android tablet. The tablet was developed with similarly good intentions as OLPC's XO laptop before it -- an attempt to get low-cost computing devices into the hands of students. One of the tablets landed in the VentureBeat offices this week. The site spent some hands-on time with the Froyo slate, and mostly liked what it saw, noting that seeming compromises made for price and a speedy release date ultimately benefit the whole of the device. The tablet will start hitting India next month, at the $35 government-subsidized pricepoint (actual retail price is a still mega-cheap $60).

$35 Aakash Android tablet gets the hands-on treatment originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 20:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aakashandroidandroid 2.2android tabletAndroid2.2AndroidTabletfroyogovernmentindiaindia tabletIndiaTabletslatesubsidizedtabletThu, 27 Oct 2011 20:24:00 EST<![CDATA[UK aims to improve access to technology, internet with £98 Linux PCs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/17/uk-aims-to-improve-access-to-technology-internet-with-98-linux/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/17/uk-aims-to-improve-access-to-technology-internet-with-98-linux/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/17/uk-aims-to-improve-access-to-technology-internet-with-98-linux/#commentsRemember when the UK started distributing free laptops to poor schoolchildren in order to encourage them to get online? Well, a new, more frugal government is now in charge, and while the original scheme has been scrapped, today we're hearing of alternative plans to help economically disadvantaged people leap onto the worldwide surfer's web. The coalition government intends to offer £98 ($156) computers -- which include an LCD monitor, keyboard, mouse, warranty, and a dedicated helpline -- paired with subsidized £9 ($14) per month internet connections in its effort to show that the web doesn't have to seem (or be) unaffordable. The cheapest machines will be refurbished units running open-source Linux distros, meaning that if this Race Online 2012 trial turns out well, we could see a whole new group of Linux loyalists rising up. The more the merrier!

UK aims to improve access to technology, internet with £98 Linux PCs originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 09:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accesaccessibilityaffordable artAffordableArtbritainbroadbandcheap travelCheapTravelcomputersGovernmentLoansinternetlinuxonlineopen sourceOpenSourcepcpovertyrace onlinerace online 2012RaceOnlineRaceOnline2012statesubsidiessubsidizedsubsidytechnologytrialukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomwebMon, 17 Jan 2011 09:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Orange UK prices 3G iPad at £199 on two-year contract, taking pre-orders today]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/27/orange-uk-prices-3g-ipad-at-199-on-two-year-contract-taking-pr/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/27/orange-uk-prices-3g-ipad-at-199-on-two-year-contract-taking-pr/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/27/orange-uk-prices-3g-ipad-at-199-on-two-year-contract-taking-pr/#comments Want an iPad but can't countenance the associated outlay of cash up front? Orange is making that pill easier to swallow today with the revelation of its contract-tied pricing for Apple's tablet in the UK. Pre-orders are about to start today for obtaining the 3G-connected iPad at prices of £199 ($312) for the 16GB version, £249 ($391) for its 32GB sibling, or £349 ($626) for the one equipped with 64GB of storage. This is all subject to you signing up for a two-year plan costing £27 ($42) a month that'll give you 1GB of anytime data, 1GB of off-peak data (judged by Orange to be between midnight and 4pm), and 3GB of BT Openzone WiFi access for each twelfth of the year. The expectation is that Orange's new best bud, T-Mobile, will be offering similar pricing shortly, leaving us to wonder what Vodafone and O2 might be cooking up. The day of the subsidized tablet might be with us sooner than we thought.

[Thanks, Jon]

P.S. - We've just spotted that Three, the UK's 3G-only network, is also planning to sell the iPad "in the coming months." Pricing and data allowances, however, have yet to be revealed.

Orange UK prices 3G iPad at £199 on two-year contract, taking pre-orders today originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Nov 2010 08:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3gappleapple ipadAppleIpadbt openzoneBtOpenzoneipadipad 3gIpad3gofficialorangeorange ukOrangeUkpricepricingsubsidizedsubsidytabletukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomSat, 27 Nov 2010 08:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Orange and T-Mobile set to offer 3G iPad on contract in UK, £200 price rumored]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/22/orange-set-to-3g-ipad-on-contract-in-uk-200-price-rumored/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/22/orange-set-to-3g-ipad-on-contract-in-uk-200-price-rumored/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/22/orange-set-to-3g-ipad-on-contract-in-uk-200-price-rumored/#comments Orange has just dropped a rather enigmatic note in our inbox letting us know that it plans to offer Apple's 3G iPad on "one of [its] great new plans" in the UK, resulting in what the company promises will be "more affordable prices." Current rumors making the rounds place that expenditure at the £200 ($320) mark, should you be willing to commit to a two-year data plan to go with your 10-inch tablet. It's also expected that Orange's new dance partner, T-Mobile, will be making a similar announcement soon, complete with a matching price. We'll keep digging until we know for sure. Full PR after the break.

Update: Sure enough, T-Mobile is now also listing the iPad as "coming soon." Thanks, Dilwar!

Continue reading Orange and T-Mobile set to offer 3G iPad on contract in UK, £200 price rumored

Orange and T-Mobile set to offer 3G iPad on contract in UK, £200 price rumored originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple ipadAppleIpadeverything everywhereEverythingEverywhereipadipad 3gIpad3gorangeorange ukOrangeUkrumorspeculationsubsidizedsubsidyt-mobilet-mobile ukT-mobileUkukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomMon, 22 Nov 2010 08:27:00 EST<![CDATA[TiVo Premiere now free on contract for $20 monthly, as TiVo introduces (and enforces) tiered subsidies]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/14/tivo-premiere-now-free-on-contract-for-20-monthly-fee-as-tivo/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/14/tivo-premiere-now-free-on-contract-for-20-monthly-fee-as-tivo/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/14/tivo-premiere-now-free-on-contract-for-20-monthly-fee-as-tivo/#comments Well, it seems we finally know why TiVo was waxing poetic about software in recent months -- it's the way the company primarily plans to charge for its DVR hardware from now on. Following a week-long experiment of free-on-contract DVRs conducted last month, TiVo's opening up subsidized and partially subsidized pricing tiers to the entire US for those willing to chain themselves to a pricier $20 monthly fee. You can now get a TiVo Premiere for $0 on a two-year contract or $100 with a one-year arrangement, or pick up a TiVo Premiere XL for $300 on a one-year deal -- the same price the regular old 45-hour TiVo Premiere cost originally. TiVo's also kept the original $12.95-a-month plans around in case you want to pay full price for your hardware, which would normally make better financial sense after about three years, if not for the fact that there are still lifetime subscriptions available for $400 if you're truly in it for the long haul.

We're all for expanding our buying power in this arena, but there's one group of customers who are liable to get mighty pissed at the new arrangement -- the regular Joes and Janes headed to Best Buy right now to pick up a $99 TiVo Premiere "on sale." You see, retailers apparently didn't get the memo about the new tiered pricing and are advertising the arrangement as a $200 discount instead, which leaves TiVo's fine print the unenviable role of explaining that they're going to pony up $20 a month from now on.
2.1.2 When purchasing a TiVo Premiere box from a third party retailer at $99.99 (includes an instant $200 savings off MSRP) for the TiVo Premiere box or $299.99 (includes an instant $200 savings off MSRP) for the TiVo Premiere XL box, you may only subscribe to the TiVo Service on a monthly basis for $19.99 a month with a one (1) year commitment (renews monthly after one year).
Choices, choices.

[Thanks, Daniel and Chris R.]

TiVo Premiere now free on contract for $20 monthly, as TiVo introduces (and enforces) tiered subsidies originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 14 Nov 2010 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DVRfree on contractFreeOnContractpricepricingset top boxset-top-boxSetTopBoxstbsubsidiessubsidizedSubsidyTerms and ConditionsTermsAndConditionstiered pricingTieredPricingTiVoTiVo Premieretivo premiere xlTivoPremiereTivoPremiereXlSun, 14 Nov 2010 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Galaxy Tab costs €730 from Vodafone.de, €300 if bought with a two-year data plan]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/19/samsung-galaxy-tab-costs-730-from-vodafone-de-300-if-bought-w/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/19/samsung-galaxy-tab-costs-730-from-vodafone-de-300-if-bought-w/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/19/samsung-galaxy-tab-costs-730-from-vodafone-de-300-if-bought-w/#comments You can kind of tell we're growing ever closer to the Galaxy Tab's promised November 1 retail launch as prices for this slate just keep coming out of the woodwork, looking ever more solid with each passing day. Vodafone Germany is the latest to reveal the wallet damage Samsung's 7-inch Android tablet will demand, with a €730 ($1,017) levy for the 16GB version sans contract, or a €300 ($418) cost for those willing to commit to a two-year data plan at €35 a month. We'd advise against taking those direct currency conversions to heart, but the Tab's pricing here is €30 more than the 32GB iPad WiFi + 3G, making us scratch our heads as to how Samsung believes it'll manage to convince anyone to buy its smaller, less capacious alternative.

Samsung Galaxy Tab costs €730 from Vodafone.de, €300 if bought with a two-year data plan originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 07:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>galaxy tabGalaxyTabgermanypricepricedpricingsamsungsamsung galaxy tabSamsungGalaxyTabsubsidizedsubsidytabvodafonevodafone germanyVodafoneGermanyTue, 19 Oct 2010 07:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Schmidt says Chrome OS devices will be 'disposable,' priced like netbooks]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/20/schmidt-says-chrome-os-devices-will-be-disposable-priced-like/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/20/schmidt-says-chrome-os-devices-will-be-disposable-priced-like/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/20/schmidt-says-chrome-os-devices-will-be-disposable-priced-like/#comments You might have heard Google's Chrome OS will live entirely in the cloud, and that devices running the web-based platform will automatically back up your data on remote servers. You might think it will keep your private details safe -- as safe as anything else you trust Google to store, that is. But had you ever considered what the cloud meant for the hardware running it? CEO Eric Schmidt has. This week, he told the Atmosphere Cloud Computing Summit that Chrome OS devices will be "completely disposable" at netbook-esque price points of between $300 and $400. That's pocket change for a large IT department perhaps, but we can't imagine tossing even the cheapest Eee PC in our dustbin. How about subsidized, though? Asked whether Google might give away devices on contract, Schmidt said "Sure," adding afterwards only that his company doesn't see itself selling the data plans. We wonder what that means for the thousands of enthusiastic towns now praying for Google fiber. Hear Google's CEO for yourself after the break; info in question begins 13:33.

Continue reading Schmidt says Chrome OS devices will be 'disposable,' priced like netbooks

Schmidt says Chrome OS devices will be 'disposable,' priced like netbooks originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 20:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chrome OSChromeOscloud computingcloud storageCloudComputingCloudStoragedisposableeric schmidtEricSchmidtGooglesubsidiessubsidizedTue, 20 Apr 2010 20:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Subsidized Nexus One pricing not available to existing T-Mobile customers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/06/subsidized-nexus-one-pricing-not-available-to-existing-t-mobile/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/06/subsidized-nexus-one-pricing-not-available-to-existing-t-mobile/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/06/subsidized-nexus-one-pricing-not-available-to-existing-t-mobile/#comments
Remember when you ran out to buy a T-Mobile G1 right away when it was launched 14 months ago? Google apparently doesn't -- it's only extending the $179 subsidized price for the Nexus One to new T-Mobile customers, meaning existing customers are being told they have to pay the full sticker of $529 for the Snapdragon device. As you can imagine, that's got quite a few T-Mobile customers pretty angry -- especially since Google's systems aren't even allowing upgrade-eligible T-Mo subscribers to purchase at a discount, and there's no customer service line to call and complain. We're hoping this is just a glitch while Google takes its first steps into direct phone sales, but we'll keep an eye on the situation.

[Thanks, Mike]

Subsidized Nexus One pricing not available to existing T-Mobile customers originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>googlenexus oneNexusOnepricingsubsidizedsubsidyt-mobileWed, 06 Jan 2010 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[LG X120 netbook comes to the US with 2-year AT&T contract]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/23/lg-x120-netbook-comes-to-the-us-with-2-year-atandt-contract/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/23/lg-x120-netbook-comes-to-the-us-with-2-year-atandt-contract/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/23/lg-x120-netbook-comes-to-the-us-with-2-year-atandt-contract/#comments
If you've been aching to get your hands on the 10.1-inch, matte white LG X120 netbook that's been thrilling the trendy Euro jet-set elite for the last 6 months or so, now is your chance! Available at RadioShack.com and select brick and mortar The Shack locations, it can be yours for $179.99 with a 2-year $60/month AT&T contract. We'll let you do the math -- but believe us, you're probably better off shelling out the cash for the Levis Special Edition. Available at some unspecified near future date. For more info, peep the PR after the break.

Continue reading LG X120 netbook comes to the US with 2-year AT&T contract

LG X120 netbook comes to the US with 2-year AT&T contract originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attlgmininetbookRadio ShackRadioShacksubsidizedthe shackTheShackultraportablex120xnotexnote minixnote mini x120XnoteMiniXnoteMiniX120Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:17:00 EST<![CDATA[China Mobile to offer subsidized e-ink reader]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/11/china-mobile-to-offer-subsidized-e-ink-reader/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/11/china-mobile-to-offer-subsidized-e-ink-reader/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/11/china-mobile-to-offer-subsidized-e-ink-reader/#comments
We don't know how well a subsidized e-reader would fly in the States, but it looks like we're soon to find out how well it does in China. The AirPaper50T e-book reader sports a 6-inch (800 x 600) e-ink display up top, another 3.7-inch display below for navigation (we guess), and allows you to purchase books for between 3 and 5 yuan (between $0.43 and $1.02) from China Mobile's store, over its TD-SCDMA and GSM networks. This bad boy also sports a USB interface for transferring files from our PC (which is good, 'cos it has no WiFi) and a SIM card slot, and a single charge can last some 30,000 page views or sit in standby mode for 7 days. Let us know how this one works out for you, eh?

Gallery: AirPaper50T e-reader



[Via Engadget Chinese]

Filed under:

China Mobile to offer subsidized e-ink reader originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 03:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We knew we'd see cheap / free subsidized netbooks eventually, and here we are: Best Buy and Sprint are offering up a Compaq-branded HP Mini 110c for just 99 cents when you sign a two-year data contract. Yeah, it looks good on paper, especially since AT&T and Verizon will ding you $199 for the same machine, but we just don't think it's worth it: at $60 a month for service, you'll be spending $1,440 for two years of pain with that 1.6GHz Atom, 1GB of RAM and three-cell battery. We'd say you're way better off grabbing a 3G USB stick you can use with multiple machines, or, if you're feeling particularly baller, throwing down for a MiFi and kicking it mobile hotspot style -- it'll cost the same $60 a month from Sprint, but you'll be able to get five machines online at once. But that's just us -- any of you particularly hot for this almost-free netbook?

[Via jkOnTheRun]

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Sprint first to offer a 99-cent netbook, but is it worth it? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best buyBestBuycompaqcompaq miniCompaqMinihphp miniHpMiniminimini 110mini 1100mini 110cmini 110c-1040dxMini110Mini1100Mini110cMini110c-1040dxnetbooksprintsubsidizedsubsidized netbookSubsidizedNetbooksubsidyMon, 06 Jul 2009 12:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Buy lists unsubsidized "regular price" for Palm Pre at $850; punch in the face is no extra charge]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/25/best-buy-lists-unsubsidized-regular-price-for-palm-pre-at-850/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/25/best-buy-lists-unsubsidized-regular-price-for-palm-pre-at-850/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/25/best-buy-lists-unsubsidized-regular-price-for-palm-pre-at-850/#comments
While subsidies, long-term contracts and unbecoming groveling are all part of the game when it comes to getting a hot new phone for a reasonable price, we'd say Best Buy's listed "regular price" for the Palm Pre is a little extreme: $849.99 will buy you a lot of Palm shares these days. That's miles away from Sprint's supposed $550 off-contract price, and it sounds like somebody along the chain doesn't want just anyone walking out of a Best Buy with Pre in their pocket and no "Simply Everything" plan hanging around their neck.

[Thanks, Fredrick C]

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Best Buy lists unsubsidized "regular price" for Palm Pre at $850; punch in the face is no extra charge originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 May 2009 19:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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While subsidies, long-term contracts and unbecoming groveling are all part of the game when it comes to getting a hot new phone for a reasonable price, we'd say Best Buy's listed "regular price" for the Palm Pre is a little extreme: $849.99 will buy you a lot of Palm shares these days. That's miles away from Sprint's supposed $550 off-contract price, and it sounds like somebody along the chain doesn't want just anyone walking out of a Best Buy with Pre in their pocket and no "Simply Everything" plan hanging around their neck.

[Thanks, Fredrick C]

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Best Buy lists unsubsidized "regular price" for Palm Pre at $850; punch in the face is no extra charge originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 May 2009 19:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AT&T announces plans to expand netbook sales nationwide originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 May 2009 17:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hot on the heels of Radio Shack's $79.99 AT&T-subsidized Acer netbook incident, it looks like the folks at Costco are looking to get in on the action their own self. According to Boy Genius Report, the 3G-ified, 10.1-inch Aspire One will be available at the box store from May 11th. Employees are currently undergoing intense, military-style training, which will culminate on May 8th, and the netbooks should be hitting electronics kiosks on May 11. Pricing yet to be sussed out, but you'll know as soon as we do. Promise.

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Acer's AT&T 3G Aspire One landing at Costco on May 11? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 May 2009 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This one's not a done deal just yet, but reports are starting to surface out of the UK that Orange and Apple are in the "final stages" of discussions about offering subsidized MacBooks to folks willing to sign a two-year mobile broadband contract. Of course, unlike some netbooks offered by the carrier, the MacBooks wouldn't be free, but some are speculating that the MacBooks could go for as little as £369 (or about $560), which is backed up somewhat by the £350 price Orange is currently asking for a Toshiba laptop on a similar contract. According to Mobile Today, the two companies have even gone so far as to test Orange's mobile broadband dongles with the MacBooks, and Orange has reportedly already made a "volume commitment" with Apple. Not surprisingly, the speculation only takes off further from there, with word circulating that Orange execs supposedly hope that this is only the beginning of a relationship with Apple, which could eventually lead to MacBooks with built-in SIM cards.

[Via The Register]

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Orange to offer subsidized MacBooks on contract? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 20:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thinking of picking up a VAIO P for your left rear pocket? Do you call Deutschland home? In need a mobile data plan? If you've somehow managed to answer yes (or "ja," as it were) to all three of those inquiries, T-Mobile Germany has a deal for you. Sony's WWAN-packin' VAIO P -- which has seen itself subsidized in America on Verizon Wireless -- is currently being offered for just €599.95 (VAT included) with a web'n'walk Connect L data plan. For those too uninspired to search, that's a €400 discount from what it costs to buy outright over there. Tempting, nein?

[Via Pocketables]

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Sony's VAIO P going for €599.95 with T-Mobile Germany data contract originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>germangermanymobile internetMobileInternetnetbooksonysubsidizedsubsidyt-mobilet-mobile germanyT-mobileGermanyultraportablevaiovaio pVaioPSat, 07 Mar 2009 16:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Congress bellyaches about contracts, termination fees]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/13/congress-bellyaches-about-contracts-termination-fees/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/13/congress-bellyaches-about-contracts-termination-fees/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/13/congress-bellyaches-about-contracts-termination-fees/#commentsWe don't like paying a couple bills to slide out from under a bunk two-year contract any more than the next guy, but at least we're cognizant of the tradeoff: subsidized hardware. Congress this week appears to have taken a special session to discuss state regulation of the wireless industry and turned it into a rant session, with several reps chiming in that termination fees and exclusivity deals (you can probably guess the device in question here) suck. We don't disagree, folks -- really, we don't -- but we hope these lawmakers (mostly rich people, we might add) realize the tradeoff of enforcing any sort of anti-contract, anti-exclusivity legislation will be higher prices on handsets. Naturally, carriers were quick to chime in that they're plenty competitive with one another and there's absolutely no need for any sort of government meddling. Let's start with significantly expanded carrier-subsidized lineups and greater manufacturer-direct unlocked presence before we start worrying about getting rid of contracts, shall we?

[Via AppleInsider, thanks Warren J.]

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Congress bellyaches about contracts, termination fees originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Jul 2007 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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