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Check out my mad ramblings on what will surely be the next huge-yet-tiny product from Apple. The first article in the series, The Apple Netbook – Part 1: The Killer App is live right now, waiting for your comments, critiques, criticisms and condemnations.
Not that I really care that much about Apple’s products anymore, but anything with a forced data plan is out of the question for me. (They’re way too expensive here in the US.)
“Forced data plans” and voice plans have been a staple in the cell phone industry for years. Service providers use them to give consumers a loan, through subsidization, to buy new stuff. They also create an illusion of affordability for expensive products. It’s the classic “give away the razor (or should I say RAZR), then sell the blades” approach.
This is standard with hardware products that includes services. Look for this concept to slowly creep into other areas of consumer electronics, especially our beloved netbook catagory.
I know how it works; I’ve just personally chosen to avoid it. For example, years ago I moved from monthly cell phone service with a cheap “free” phone to T-Mobile Prepaid* service. When I needed a new phone I bought an inexpensive one (~$30, IIRC) and moved the SIM card. Overall, I’ve saved a couple hundred dollars a year for something I don’t use all that often.
I’d love to have a USB adapter and a couple GB of pay-as-you-go data for those times I really need it, but that’s not something I’ve found here in the US. (At least, not at a reasonable price.)
* Why the name dropping? Because at the time they were the only company I could find advertising phone number transfer from your old cell phone to a pay-as-you-go one. Old hat nowadays, I imagine, but back then this was a new thing.
[quote1246029398=Parody]
I know how it works; I’ve just personally chosen to avoid it. I have an inexpensive phone ($30, IIRC) and T-Mobile Pay-as-you-Go service.
[/quote1246029398]Yes, I know you know. Just pontificating for the sake of completeness.
I share your disgust for these semi-sneaky plans, mostly because they are designed to dupe consumers who aren’t paying attention. Smart consumers (like you, I and everyone who reads this forum) look at total cost and make a decisions based on that number rather than the “come on” price.
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