Providers of mobile broadband services are offering free laptop computers as an incentive to sign a long term contract. Many of these deals offer poor value and the free laptop can end up costing more than if you had bought it outright.
A UK site which specialises in pink laptop computers has looked into some of these deals and has found that they can be quite expensive and those who are tempted to take up these offers would be better off buying a laptop computer outright.
Spokesperson Helen Davies said: “We looked at two of the most popular deals and the first thing that stood out is that the laptops offered were models which have been superseded or are out of stock elsewhere. This make sit difficult to compare like for like. Secondly, in order to claim a free laptop you have to commit to lengthy contract for mobile broadband. When you compare what this would cost bought separately it is clear that the cost of the laptop has been factored into the price, and then some. In one instance a laptop which would normally cost around £350 would work out at almost £500, when you calculate the cost of the contract over the full term”
Of course, there are advantages, particularly when cash is tight and Helen adds: “Obviously, not everyone is in the position to pay £350 or more outright for a new laptop and in this case the deals may be worth considering?
“Overall, the advice would be to research what the actual costs would be over the full term and compare this to what it would cost to purchase separately. If you can afford to then buying outright will often be cheaper and result in a greater choice”.
For more details about free laptop deals visit:
http://www.pinklaptops.org.uk/
