Micro Center, Hiliard, Ohio, is test marketing free PCs in at least four markets including Houston, Philadelphia, Long Island and Denver, said the company.
“We have been testing free PCs since May 16. When you sign up for three years of Internet service — we’re using MSN — at the 1999 subscription rate you get a $400 credit and we have a couple of computers in our PowerSpec line and some eMachine models which are $399, so that is a free PC,” said Tom Fritz, vice president of purchasing.
The company is also offering $400 rebates with a three-year commitment to MSN on other PowerSpec and eMachine models, including a $599 PC, for a total user cost of $199. “We have a $400 credit on some machines in every market we cover, and on PowerSpec in any market, but the $399 machines are only available in a few markets,” Fritz explained. He noted that the promotion is only a trial but the company is considering rolling it out to Micro Center’s website and mail order program.
