AT&T to Offer New Suite of Mobile Broadband Netbooks Online and in Stores Nationwide

It’s interesting how the mobile market has made such drastic changes in the past few years. A few years ago, no one would have dreamed that AT&T and other mobile providers would be selling computers on contracts, and with presumable success. See the official press release below and after the break.

AT&T* today announced an expansion of its mobile broadband-enabled netbook lineup. The new devices, which will be available in stores and online in the coming days, features three ultra portable mobile broadband netbooks – an Acer Aspire One, the Dell Inspiron Mini 10, and the Lenovo S10.

AT&T also announced it will begin offering AT&T ConnecTech services specifically tailored for netbook customers through its more than 2,200 stores, providing three options of support for netbooks purchased from AT&T, with prices from $99 for remote online support to $199 for in-home technical support.

Netbooks from AT&T

AT&T will offer the Acer Aspire One throughout stores nationwide. The Dell Inspiron Mini 10 and Lenovo S10 will be available in multiple stores and all devices will be available for purchase soon online at www.att.com and other direct sales channels. The netbooks will cost $199.99 after mail-in rebate via AT&T Promotion Card with a two-year service contract (see below for additional terms).

The netbooks feature 10-inch screens and weigh less than 3 pounds. The promotional netbook pricing requires the purchase of a two-year AT&T DataConnect plan – including a 200MB plan for $40 per month or a 5GB plan for $60 per month. AT&T DataConnect plans offer consumer and small business subscribers access to the nation’s fastest 3G mobile broadband network, along with unlimited use of AT&T Wi-Fi service, featuring more than 20,000 hot spots nationwide.

"Lightweight and connected, netbooks continue to interest consumers and small business customers," said David Christopher, chief marketing officer, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "We expect that, paired with AT&T home broadband, Wi-Fi, and the nation’s fastest 3G mobile broadband network, they’ll have great appeal to busy, on-the-go consumers and working professionals. We’re offering the latest and greatest connected devices."

The slim and light Acer Aspire One weighs 2.53 pounds and is equipped with an Intel Atom processor, Microsoft Windows XP Home, a 160GB hard drive, 1GB of memory, high definition audio support with stereo speakers, a built-in webcam with a video conferencing feature, and multiple ports for connecting to external devices.

The Dell Inspiron Mini 10 weighs 2.86 pounds and features Microsoft Windows XP Home, a 160GB hard drive, 1GB of memory, built in webcam, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator and integrated audio.

The Lenovo S10 supports thin and light computing, measuring less than 1 inch and weighing 2.63 pounds. For an always-connected experience, the netbook features 3G and WiFi and comes with 1GB of memory, 160GB of storage, Microsoft Windows XP Home and a built-in webcam. Extra features like VeriFace facial recognition technology make logging on quick and convenient, and a multitouch touchpad makes navigating web pages easy.

Today’s news comes on the heels of AT&T’s recent announcement, which highlighted the availability for small businesses of Acer, HP and Panasonic netbooks and laptops, featuring AT&T’s embedded wireless technology, through AT&T’s relationship with CDW, a provider of technology solutions.

AT&T ConnecTech Service

AT&T’s ConnecTech service provides nationwide next day in-home service and 24/7 remote support for technology installation, and repair and support services. Consumers can select from three offers at any of AT&T’s 2,200 retail locations, including:

  --  AT&T ConnecTech Remote Advanced Set Up and Service for $99. With this
      plan, customers can select installation of a new netbook to a secure
      wireless network, or PC notebook performance and optimization service,

      or PC notebook diagnosis and toubleshooting.
  --  AT&T ConnecTech In-Home Advanced Set Up and Service, available for
      $149. This plan offers the choice of next day in-home set up,
      optimization and security for a new netbook purchase or configuration

      of an existing PC with an AT&T LaptopConnect card purchase.

  --  AT&T ConnecTech Ultimate In-Home Experience, at $199, which offers
      assistance with a customer's choice of any or all of the following:

      new netbook installation and optimization; optimization for an
      existing PC with a data card purchase; peripheral installation and
      configuration for up to two wireless devices; wireless network
      installation for up to two devices; configuration and set up of a

      personal PC with a new device; and a 10-point security audit and
      optimization of existing or new wireless network and all connected
      devices.

In addition, for small businesses AT&T offers AT&T Tech Support 360(SM), which provides 24/7 online support, including set up, configuration, troubleshooting and performance optimization for PCs, laptops, Wi-Fi networks and peripheral network devices.

For more information, please visit us at an AT&T retail store or online at www.att.com/netbooks or www.att.com.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

Limited-time offer. Other conditions & restrictions apply. See contract, rate plan brochure and rebate form at store for details. Subscriber must live & have a mailing address within AT&T’s owned wireless network coverage area. Up to $36 activation fee applies. Equipment price & availability may vary by market & may not be available from independent retailers. Early Termination Fee: None if cancelled in the first 30 days, but a restocking fee may apply; thereafter up to $175. Some agents impose add’l fees. AT&T Promotion Card: Allow 60 days for fulfillment. You must be a customer for 30 consecutive days to receive Promotion Card. Card valid for 120 days wherever major credit cards accepted. May be used to pay wireless bill. Not redeemable for cash and cannot be used at ATMs or gas pumps. Some restrictions and other charges apply. See terms at store or at att.com/wirelessrebate.

AT&T ConnecTech Services: Residential customers only; Limited time offer; Taxes and surcharges extra; Service-specific terms and conditions apply, see www.att.com/ConnecTechTOS.