Both Carrypad and Ultranauts carried journals about this - UMPC's could be subsidised by offering them in bundles with data or content packages.

I wrote mainly about subsidies with content (for example, offering TV content or Video Telephony packages.) but with the announcement that Linksys and Nokia have teamed up to offer a a wifi/tablet package, I can now see the opportunities for subsidies with data plans. Either broadband or Wifi.

I had thought that the Nokia 770 would really be pushed as a partner product for a mobile phone but this announcement shows that Nokia are not scared to take a step or two away from mobile carriers and look at other pricing models.

Could we see a broadband data plan with linksys router and Nokia bundled? Broadband internet marketing in Western Europe is going to get a lot harder soon as the sales move into more difficult demographics. Maybe a UMPC would make a nice sweetener. How about this for a product bundle?

The Carrypad Broadband bundle (not currently available!!)

• 2M Broadband connection (24 month contract.)
• Bundled Wifi router.
• Bundled UMPC.
• TV/Internet - 10 channels.
• TV/Air (DMB/DVB-T) - 10 high quality TV channels.
• Audio and Video telephony flatrate with incoming number.
• Wifi hotspot contract

How much do you think that lot will cost? 60 Euro per month? More? Less?
Are you for or against bundling and subsidies? I'm not a great fan but as a springboard for these devices, it could mean the difference between success and failure.