AT&T Netbooks Poised For Launch

By Joseph Palenchar On Aug 3 2009 - 6:00am

AT&T is following through on previously announced plans to roll out subsidized netbooks through its company-owned stores nationwide.

In “the coming days,” the carrier said, the 3G-equipped Acer Aspire One will be in company stores nationwide, and the Dell Inspiron Mini 10 and Lenovo S10 will be available in “multiple” AT&T stores. In addition, all three netbooks will be available “soon” online at www.att.com and through other AT&T direct-sales channels, a spokeswoman said. The netbooks are priced $199 after mail-in rebate with a two-year service contract for either a $40 200MB monthly 3G data plan or a $60 5GB plan. The plans include unlimited use of AT&T Wi-Fi service, featuring more than 20,000 hot spots nationwide.

AT&T operates more than 2,200 retail outlets, the last of which has undergone a redesign, which enables customers to test drive products in the store before they buy and more easily find products and services that they're looking for.

In a related announcement, the carrier said it would begin offering ConnecTech remote online and in-home computer support services for sale through its stores. Prices range from $99 for remote online support to $199 for in-home technical support. ConnecTech services include nationwide next-day in-home service and 24/7 remote support for netbook installation and setup, laptop performance optimization and diagnosis, installation of peripheral devices and wireless networks, and home network security audits.