Mobile 3G Broadband

3G Broadband with Free Laptop Offers

Broadband with Free Laptop offers sound almost too good to be true - but are they?

The reality is that they are a sales promotion where you appear to get something for nothing (i.e. the laptop) when you buy something you want or need - the broadband.

As is always the case, these "free" offers actually sell you the laptop (or other incentive) over a period of time by charging a higher rate for the 3G broadband contract to spread the cost of the laptop over 18 or 24 months, for example.

With entry level laptops and cheap netbook PCs now under £300, this equates to a £10 - £15 per month 'excess' on the broadband or 3G broadband rental.  As the contract will include a minimum term, during which the laptop does not actually belong to you, the reality is that you have in effect bought a laptop on credit, along with your broadband subscription.

So - Is there a catch?

Well YES! - Predictably, there is.  The marketing gamble is that most people, once in a contract, be it a mobile telephone contract, 3g mobile broadband or even utilities such as electricity and gas, tend to stay with the same provider beyond when they are getting the best deal.

If a Broadband with free laptop offer has an 18 month term, them the provider is obviously expecting to recover the cost of the laptop over that period - and in addition, make a profit from the contract.  If this part of the contract gives you exactly what you want at the right price, spreading the cost over 18 months - then by all means go for it.  BUT! - After the 18 month tie-in period, GET OUT! - Don't continue paying the additional higher price longer than you have to - if you do, your provider is making that additional £10 - £15 per month (that covered the purchase of the laptop) as pure profit.

They may even offer you other "incentives" to stay on the same higher price tariff - but these are very likely low cost items to them to make it easier for you to justify staying on the higher tariff a little longer.

Getting the Best Deal on 3G Broadband with Free Laptops

These offers change very rapidly as the free hardware goes out of stock and is replaced by different models.

We suggest you look closely at the offers, check what is actually provided and make a list of your actual requirements and check the cost of buying the same thing yourself.

Then, refer to our 3G Mobile Broadband Providers page and check their latest offers for yourself.  If in doubt, get a friend to look over the offers with you - they might spot something you've missed.