Nokia Booklet 3G available with AT&T for $300 on Oct 22
Cutting straight to the chase: the Nokia Booklet 3G is available from AT&T for $299 come October 22. Yup, it’ll have Windows 7, and you’re saving $300 by going with AT&T. And yes, October 22 is in 3 days. Nokia is expecting to sell 20 million Nokia Booklet 3G s by the end of the year (*snicker*), so you’ll probably have to line up outside Best Buy ASAP if you want it soon :)
Two Year Contract With AT&T – is it worth it?
To get the subsidized rate of $299, you’ll have to commit to a 2 year relationship with AT&T at $60/month data plan. The $60/month plan allows you usage of up to 5GB/month (only).
So that’s $300 + ($60 x 24 months) = $1,740 in all.
As a recent subscriber to a monthly data plan myself, I can understand why this is an attractive offer. For $300, you’re getting a brand new netbook that already has a 3G slot in it. If the Nokia Booklet 3G didn’t come with the built in 3G slot, you’d have to shell out somewhere like $220 for a wireless/3G data card such as the Novatel Mifi – which by the way, is free if you sign a 2 year contract with Verizon.
So hypothetically, you’re saving $300 on the Nokia Booklet 3G and the cost of a data card. (And you get better battery life).
Now let’s talk about the data plan. 5GB/month is paltry – that won’t let you stream videos off Hulu very much. This plan is probably suitable for light internet usage (lots of reading and emailing etc., not so much usage of online multimedia). You can also opt for a wireless connection and probably pay less and receive unlimited data plans. The benefit of opting for a 3G network is it will work no matter where you are.
The benefit of having 3G access on the Nokia Booklet 3G is the fact that the 3G slot is built in and won’t consume as much power as having an external USB. Nokia claims the booklet can stay alive for up to 12 hours. If you plan to use the Nokia 3G Booklet for work, the $300 subsidy ain’t a bad deal at all.
Of course the subsidized Nokia Booklet 3G can be compared to AT&T’s iPhone. Both can accomplish pretty much similar functions (watch videos, surf the web, email), and the iPhone’s data plan is unlimited. If you’re choosing between a netbook and a smart phone, consider how important the size and method of input (near full size keyboard vs. a palm sized one) and output (small screen vs. 10″ screen) is to you.
Bottomline
If you want 3G go for it! Get the Nokia Booklet 3G. If a wireless connection at your home and multiple coffee shops and airports is all you need, don’t. Simple as that.
The 2 year contract part is a mood-killer, but it’s standard practice. If you’re sure about needing 3G access for 2 years, and can afford it, go for it. The Nokia Booklet 3G seems extremely sturdy with its aluminum case and should survive just fine.
Wait, but isn’t the AT&T network already under pressure due to the internet addiction of iPhone users?
Yes. Definitely keep that in mind! You probably won’t have a problem with the 3G network now (I doubt they’d partner with Nokia if this was a serious concern), but as more people buy the Nokia Booklet 3G and get online, you may reach some obstacles.
If you’d rather go for another provider like Verizon, check out the HP Mini 115NR which is available for $200 with a 2 year contract with Verizon. The HP Mini won’t last anywhere near the 12 hours the Nokia can, and it’s only a $100 cheaper (we’re talking 1$,640 vs. $1,740 over two years).
Related posts:
- Nokia Booklet 3G Specs
- First Impressions on the Nokia Booklet 3G
- Best Buy Gets Exclusive Rights to Sell Nokia Booklet 3G
- Nokia Booklet = Netbook + Smartbook.. ?
- Nokia Booklet 3G to Sell for $600?
Filed under: Nokia Netbook
[...] AT&T has it for $299 and a 2-year contract, of course. That entails a $60 a month for 24 months which allows you usage of up to 5GB/month, which means it’ll cost you $1,740. If you plan to get the data plan, then by all means, go ahead. The Nokia Booklet also comes with a 3G slot after all, and that would be an additional expense if you head on over to Best Buy. [...]
[...] Additional Resources: Is a two year AT&T contract worth it? [...]