I think most of us realize at this point that netbooks have gone mainstream. While most consumers probably still couldn’t tell you the difference between a netbook and a more powerful, full fledged laptop, that hasn’t stopped companies from taking advantage of the term ‘netbook’ as a buzz word. Case-in-point, Comcast and Verizon are now both offering deals which provide their customers with a ‘free’ netbook. Each company offers a different netbook to new customers:
Verizon has teamed up with HP owned Compaq to provide the Compaq Mini 110, which is essentially just a rebranded version of the HP Mini 110 [Portal page]. Of course it is just about the most stripped down version of the computer and comes with a small 3-cell battery, and a slow 16GB SSD.
And what good would marketing be if they were just giving these things away without any hassle? There is definitely some tape you need to run through before actually receiving your Compaq Mini 110. Verizon requires that you claim your prize at least 60 days after your instillation, but no later than 90 days after instillation. If you don’t claim your prize within that 30 day window, you are no longer eligible for the ‘free’ netbook. I mentioned ‘free’ because they also charge you $50 for shipping and handling.
Meanwhile, Comcast has jumped on board with Dell to offer customers the Dell Mini 10v [Portal page]. I have been unable to track down the exact specs of the Mini 10v that Comcast is offering, but we’ll assuming that it is one up from least equipped model: 16GB (instead of 8GB) SSD, and 3-cell battery.
So who emerges victorious in the battle to win customers over with a netbook? If we look just at the netbooks that each is offering, its actually a really tough call simply by the fact that both netbooks are so similar. I don’t think there is any differentiating factor that would make me pick one of these over the other, if not simply by brand. I would personally stick with Dell, but hey, maybe you are a die-hard Compaq fan? In the end, these netbook offers really aren’t adding that much value to your purchase. Sure they might make a nice computer for the kids, but if you are really in the market for a netbook, you should buy some of the value packed netbooks that are available these days. You wouldn’t sign up with one of these companies if they were offering a free TV and expect to get a nice TV would you?
August 8th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
New article: Comcast and Verizon go head-to-head in the great netbook war. Who wins? http://cli.gs/74TUS
August 9th, 2009 at 2:34 am
Comcast and Verizon go head-to-head in the great netbook war. Who …: I think most of us realize at this point .. http://twurl.nl/jstiqv
August 9th, 2009 at 2:52 am
both r big cheat in concern to promotion as I m working with verizon since last 3 yrs so i know them
September 30th, 2009 at 8:50 pm
Comcast should start preparing for the CLASS ACTION SUIT against them for not honoring their free netbook offer.
November 6th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
Comcast is a fraud and should be disbanned. They tried everything in the book to get me to “not qualify” and after I proved them wrongthey have still not sent out my “FREE” netbook. Theyshould be ashamed of themselves. The reason I went with Comcast was because of this netbook for my 10 yr old sons christmas gift. COMCAST RUINS CHRISTMAS FOR 10 YEAR OLD BOY! This should be AT&T’s next commercial!
lee Reply:
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:27 am
funny thing is i didnt qualify for one and they sent me one anyway yay
December 4th, 2009 at 12:40 am
Actually, I’ve found Comcast’s netbook offer to be on the up and up. In fact, I’m typing this ON that netbook now!
Comcast:
-Sent me a letter as a reminder to take advantage of the netbook offer
-Sent me a letter to let me know they’d shipped the netbook (along with a tracking number)
-Sent me the netbook!
Here’s what I got.
Hardware:
-Dell Inspiron Mini with Intel Atom processor
- 1.32 GHz, .99 GB of RAM, 139 GB of storage
- Integrated webcam
I’m not sure of the stats on the sound or video cards or the life of the battery.
Software:
-XP OS with Microsoft Works installed as well as the standard suite of Microsoft base operation apps (e.g. Explorer, Powerpoint viewer, etc.)
-MacAfee security suite w/ license through September 2011
So all in all, I’m pretty damn pleased with this promotion. My main computer is a 6 year old laptop with about 80 GB storage and it’s been starting to act up, so it’s nice to have the security of a backup (as well as to be able to take a computer to work that weighs less than ten pounds!). I’ve gotta say, Comcast really won me over with this one (as well as not having the stingy tiered internet service that Verizon features).
Chelsie Reply:
December 13th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
How long was your turn around time from installation, to letters of tracking to delivery if I may ask? Waiting since Sept 9th for mine.
December 13th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
Kat how long ago before you got your laptop did you get a tracking number letter? We got the service on Sept 9th, 2009, and I am patiently waiting for my netbook.What was your turn around time?
December 17th, 2009 at 7:46 pm
I signed up in August and I just got my netbook on Tuesday Dec 15th. I didnt think it was coming and then i got the letter and then the netbook! Agree with Kat – its a great little laptop. So – don’t give up hope – there is a LONG lag time (4months) between signup and shipment.
January 5th, 2010 at 7:37 pm
I signed up for service on August 15th, and despite multiple follow ups on my part didn’t get the required service agreement that I needed to sign until October 10th, and was assured the netbook would be on its way in a few weeks. Now upon further follow up the rebate center tells me today that they were never given my information from Comcast…Comcast says I am eligible and have completed the necessary paperwork and they will work on fixing the issue. Hopefully I’ll receive the netbook before the technology is obsolete.
January 25th, 2010 at 11:32 pm
i ordered mine in august and got it today, january 25th! took long enough
January 27th, 2010 at 5:05 am
So, this package arrived today from Comcast. I don’t always read my “junk mail”, so I had no idea about this promotion and was wondering why the heck I’d received this netbook. So, I started searching on the web and found this discussion. I did not sign up to receive this but I added a phone line and more cable channels this summer which included a cable box. Is that how I got this? I just want to make sure that they don’t slip some charge on my bill for their “gift”. Anyone know the full details?
February 4th, 2010 at 2:09 am
Glad I found this! Comcast service installed Aug 16th, returned contract by end of Sept and continue to wait on the promised netbook. Comcast states I’ve met obligation but rebate company has no record.
Within the past 3 weeks: 2 customer service reps, 1 “manager”, and the rebate company have all ESCALATED my request but as of 2/3/01 ~ nothing!
Today, I called Comcast to say I’m withholding payment until they uphold their end of the bargain. We’ll see……..
Sheena Reply:
February 13th, 2010 at 7:14 pm
Hey read my comment…..
February 13th, 2010 at 7:14 pm
I ordered my comcast service in August. Never recieved a =n agreement so I decided to contact them…No one knew what promotion I was talking about..I suggested they look in my notes…nothing. I spoke with comcast about 10 times before I stop paying them…I threatened to put my money in an escro account and take them to court. I stop paying they cut my services 01/2010…someone came out to my house for a payment that I postdated for like three weks later my services were turned on 01/27/2010. I recieved my letter with tracking number today 02/03/2010 saying my netbook will be here on 02/15/2010….so now we will c ……Comcast Sucks and I signed up for 2 years…..and just a notice to everyone who has comcast for the net book….your rates that you currently have are only valid for one year then you will be charged full price so get ready to decide if you want to pay a 300.00 cable bill….THEY SUCK……