Android Phone For $25 Per Month?

March 17, 2011 by 1 Comment

Android robot logo.

Image via Wikipedia

While conducting some comparison shopping of cell phones recently, I was shocked to learn that a person can have an Android phone for as little as $25 per month.  For budget conscious customers, this may be an option.  The phone plan is available through Virgin Mobile USA, a prepaid cell service provider owned by Sprint.  The 3G Android phones on a $25 monthly plan come with unlimited data, text, Email, and web; as well as 300 minutes of talk time.

For those that like to talk up a storm (people like me, for instance), unlimited talk and data goes for $60 each month.  Virgin Mobile phones use the Sprint network and have national coverage.  Currently, I am paying a higher price for contract cell service, and will seriously consider getting a prepaid phone when my contract expires.  The only downside I see is having to spend $150-$200 to buy the smart phone at the outset, but over a 24 month period the savings amounts to over $700 based on what I am forking out now for unlimited talk and data.

There was a time when I did not consider prepaid cell phones.  That has been a few years, and times have changed.  In the past, prepaid phones were marketed to people with little or no credit, and had higher per minute charges than contract customers.  Now, the prepaid services are the cheaper way to go.  They are looking more and more attractive as they add smartphones to their lineup.  I will definitely give Virgin Mobile and its competitors a hard look in the coming months as I consider what my next phone will be.

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iPAD Is Not A Feminine Hygiene Product

January 27, 2010 by Leave a comment

The iPAD is not a feminine hygiene product.  This was a thought expressed by a friend of mine on Twitter.  To clear up the confusion, it is a new product offering from APPLE.

I have not seen this new gadget, but have read some news articles about it.  It is being touted as a bridge between a smart phone and a laptop.  The device does not have a regular keyboard, but does have an on-screen keyboard.

The price is said to start around $499, with upgrades available for an additional charge.  As far as I can tell, it is APPLE’s answer to the Netbook market.

The tablet style, with a touchscreen, makes it a little different, but the 10 inch screen is about the same as one would find on a conventional Netbook.   It reportedly has an electronic reader built-in, and is being positioned to compete with the Amazon Kindle to some degree.

I am not sure about the reader functionality, since the Kindle is built for long-term use, but it is pleasing to see new technological innovations occurring at a relatively low price.

The iPAD has an available upgrade to include 3G wireless, like some Netbooks, so it would not be surprising to see it  offered by one or more wireless providers.  I do not know if it will be exclusively sold through AT&T like the iPhone currently is, but would not be surprised if that is the case.

For the most part, I am not an APPLE fan, but I do like it when more competition exists.  Just a couple of years ago, Steve Jobs said that APPLE would never make a $500 computer, because he considered them junk.

My how times have changed.

It will be interesting to see how the marketplace responds.

Reference:

Reuters: Apple unveils iPad, bets on new device class

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Netbooks Continue To Fill A Niche

May 25, 2009 by 2 Comments

A few months ago, I purchased a Netbook for my own personal use.  My expectations were tempered by the fact that it was a little smaller than a conventional laptop, and had a smaller processor, etc. than the regular computers I have been used to.  However, it is great for taking on the go, checking E-mail, doing on-line banking, and even blogging.  The extreme portability and long battery life make it fantastic for doing about 90% of what I personally do with a computer.

At the time, I remarked to my wife that it seems as if cell phones and computers are on converging paths, where they will ultimately be indistinguishable.  As the smart phones get smarter, e-mail, banking, and blogging can be done from cell phones.  There is still a distinction between a cell phone, and a computer; but it is becoming less and less all the time.  In addition, cellular companies are starting to sell more data services, with voice calls generating a smaller portion of revenue on their networks.

While recently surfing the Radio Shack website, I stumbled upon a Netbook being marketed with AT&T 3G Internet service included.  This got my attention!

(Full disclosure here:  although I used to work for AT&T, I am no longer employed with them.  I am not endorsing this product, nor am I being paid to discuss it on this blog.  I have no current affiliation with Radio Shack, Acer, or AT&T.  I do not own this brand of Netbook, nor do I currently have any phone or data services with AT&T.)

Acer® Aspire® One AT&T® 3G 8.9" Netbook (Sapphire Blue) - RadioShack.com
Acer® Aspire® One AT&T® 3G 8.9″ Netbook at Radio Shack

Until stumbling across this product listing, I had no idea that it was available.  It takes the Netbook, which has been out for a little while now, and expands its networking capability by having the 3G Internet card built into the computer!  This means a user would not be committed to only being on-line in a wi-fi area, dramatically increasing the areas where it could be used.  On a park bench, with a mocha, perhaps?

This kind of technology package would have been really nice to have when I was an over-the-road truck driver.  Being able to have such a small machine with networking capability would have been a real plus.
In another twist, the machines, similar to what is pictured here, can not only be purchased for about $350, but if you want to buy your Internet service through AT&T, you can pick it up for only about $50.  They are selling the Netbooks with a service plan, making it a buying experience quite like purchasing a cell phone.  With a two-year agreement for a qualifying data-plan, you can pick up a Netbook computer for a mere $50.  I am guessing that besides truck drivers; college students, and travelling business people may find the offer of interest.  While the appeal for the road warrior exists, it may also appeal to the home user that just wants a basic machine, and does not want to bother with setting up a home network.
Time will tell if this is a money maker for AT&T.  It is further proof, though, that laptops and cell phones are being blended together in ways we would not have expected just a few short years ago.

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