Comments on: Ubuntu Linux Netbooks: Yes, They Will Be Free

By: Joe Panettieri

Joe Panettieri — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 03:28:07 +0000

Eyerouge: Are you seeing any “free” offers involving WiFi service?

By: eyerouge

eyerouge — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 01:38:56 +0000

The “free” laptops have been available for a while in Sweden upon signing up for 1-2 year contract for 3G “broadband” and similar services. Quite many have actually bought into the concept, even if I personally consider it as a waste of money since 3G sucks, not to mention the 3G-usb-dongle most have hanging on the side. (Luckily these won’t be around for long since all new laptops/netbooks come with built in 3G…)

By: aikiwolfie

aikiwolfie — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 23:16:34 +0000

Interesting development. Some broadband providers have been giving away Windows XP based laptops for years here in the UK. Wonder if they’ll switch to low-end Ubuntu netbooks as well?

Of course we can’t call them netbooks any longer since Psion have taken the huff. Apparently it’s been one of their trademarks since 2000. Dell and Intel are not happy.

By: Vadim P.

Vadim P. — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 18:16:30 +0000

I’ll just be hoping that Ubuntu enforces some attribution on them.

Not a “Starbucks own netbook!” but a “Ubuntu-powered Starbucks netbook”.

By: Joe Panettieri

Joe Panettieri — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 00:01:26 +0000

Scott, JP: I can’t debate you. You’re both right. But rewind the clock a bit. Can you imagine getting a decently powered notebook computer for “free” a decade ago? Most of them didn’t even have a WiFi card in 1998.

Now, you need broadband to be productive. So you’re going to pay a service provider — regardless of which mobile device you choose. So, hopefully, the service plan for the forthcoming “free” netbooks has decent terms.

By: JP

JP — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 22:56:31 +0000

Just like a “free” phone with the $1200 2 year service plan. Right.

By: Scott

Scott — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 22:49:18 +0000

That zero price is somewhat like the “free” copy of Windows included on new computers. Even closer to the same is the “free” cable converter included with cable TV service. Cancel early without returning your cable box, and you will find out how much that “free” box costs.