Rogers has just announced their HP Mini netbook offering with embedded 3.5 wireless:
“The HP Mini 110 netbooks now available include embedded mobile broadband technology to connect to the Web over Rogers 3.5G wireless network across Canada – three times faster than any other – offering customers the freedom to choose when and where they enjoy a true broadband Internet experience. With download speeds up to 7.2 Mbps, Rogers mobile Internet ready netbooks deliver the ultimate convenience and productivity for work or play online with just a few clicks – no need to search for WiFi or wired access.”
Now, if they would only listen to users about the sky high cost of wireless…
Nice! I really like the HP Mini’s. I’m not sure that I’m ready to buy a computer with a data plan tied to it, since I already have data on my phone. Besides, as you mentioned, the data prices here in Canada aren’t that appealing.
Hmmm…that gets me thinking; who is going to buy this?
While some business users may, most IT departments are strict about which notebooks they use, plus they tend to want more power than a netbook offers.
Will it be the casual cellphone user? Not likely.
The techy type who wants net access? Maybe, but most will already have a smartphone (like you, Mike!) and can opt to tether to any netbook they want or simply just use the smartphone. (does Rogers even allow that? I know Bell has tethering plans for their smartphones)
So, who are the customers for these; people with more money than they know what to do with? In this economy that doesn’t seem like a great target market.
Bah, what do I know? I’m sure Rogers has 18 Managers and 4 Directors working on this. Right?
Rogers Introduces Canada’s First 3.5G Embedded Netbooks – http://tinyurl.com/nb8qb2
Cool – Might have to try this out – RT @MobileJaw: Rogers Introduces Canada’s First 3.5G Embedded Netbooks – http://tinyurl.com/nb8qb2
RT @MobileJaw: Rogers Introduces Canada’s First 3.5G Embedded Netbooks – http://tinyurl.com/nb8qb2
That’s an excellent question, who is going to buy this? Students can’t afford the monthly data plan on top of their existing cell phones. The road-warrior could justify the second monthly data plan, but will need more than a netbook can offer.
The only group that I can think of is executives. However, I don’t really see them caring about having a data connection while on the go. Typically their phone would be more than enough for what they need while on the go.
It will be interesting to see who buys these and how well they sell. I can’t see it being worth while.
Clearly Rogers should be consulting us before making these kinds of decisions!
Join our little discussion about embedded 3.5G in netbooks @MobileJaw http://is.gd/1uoEd
Jow guys,
Is the model called HP Mini 110 or is it a typo and is it the HP Mini 1100??
The picture looks like a Mini 1000.
@Remo – According to the press release, it’s a HP Mini 110.
…and the photo is from the official press release, so I would hope its a Mini 110, but have no idea.
Thank you guys for clarifying !