Laptops are available from Three, Orange and O2 only when you sign-up to a mobile broadband contract. What's the catch? Check our buying tips and editor's picks. |
|
|
|
|
||
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
1GB Mobile broadband + FREE Acer Aspire One D260 Laptop worth £244* |
3GB Mobile broadband + FREE Samsung N150 Netbookworth £278* |
15GB Mobile broadband + Compaq CQ56 for £19.99 (one-off)worth £376* |
3GB Mobile broadband + Sony Vaio for £99 (one-off)worth £498* |
|
£18.08 a month 24 month contractFind out more |
£25.53 a month 24 month contractFind out more |
£31.31 a month 24 month contract
Find out more
|
£35.74 a month 24 month contractFind out more |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
at threeaccessories.co.uk |
|
at threeaccessories.co.uk |
|
* Laptop value is an average of the prices shown on Google.co.uk Product Search.
.|
If you’re in the market for a new laptop, you might be considering one of the many “free laptop” offers now available. But is it the best way to get yourself a new PC? What are 'free laptop' deals?Mobile networks will give you a free laptop when you sign-up to certain mobile broadband contracts. Laptops from high-end manufacturers, such as Samsung and Asus, are typically available on long-term contracts, usually between 18 and 24 months. Long-term contracts help you spread the cost of the laptop over time. How to choose your laptop?First, you will need to choose between a notebook and a laptop. Notebooks, also known as mini laptops, are small and ultra-light – their size rarely exceeds 10.1”. Laptops are bigger in size, with larger screens and keyboards. |
Next, you should check the size of the hard drive. Go for a larger hard drive if you love to download music or videos. However, you should be comfortable with anything in excess of 100GB. If you plan to use your laptop on the go, weight and battery life should also top your list. Which mobile broadband?Before you buy, remember to check mobile broadband coverage. Coverage and signal strength will impact your connection speed. All networks allow you to check coverage and speeds in your area from their website. You should also be comfortable with your monthly download allowance. Most users download between 1GB and 5GB a month. If you exceed your limit, you could be charged more. |
Michael Phillips is product director at Broadbandchoices
What’s the best deal?Three’s Acer Aspire One D260 strikes a great balance – the laptop has superb specs, Windows 7 and even comes with a built-in 1.3 megapixel webcam. It's available on a 1GB mobile broadband data plan. At £18.08 per month, it is the cheapest in the UK. Visit the Three store to check coverage in your area. O2 (www.O2.co.uk) has deals on Samsung and even Sony Vaio laptops. Both ship free with Windows 7. O2's Sony Vaio laptop, available for a £99 one-time charge, on a 24 month contract is a fantastic opportunity to spread the cost of a high-end product over time (the laptop sells for close to £500 online). Visit www.o2.co.uk/sony-vaio for more. |
|
Product review
Weighing just 1.25kg and capable of lasting six hours from just one battery charge, Acer Aspire One D260 is designed for people on the move. With a 10.1” crystal clear LCD display and an almost full-size keyboard, it's also perfect for using at your desk. Find out more on Three.co.uk |
| Supplier | Usage limit | Contract length | Monthly charge | Dongle/Laptop costs | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad SIM 1GB + Unlimited Wi-Fi | 1GB | 1 month | £10.21 | Free | |
| iPad SIM 2GB + Unlimited Wi-Fi | 2GB | 1 month | £15.32 | Free | |
| Mobile broadband 1GB + Acer Aspire One D257 Laptop | 1GB | 24 months | £25.00 | £29.00 | |
| iPad 2 3G 16GB + 15GB data | 15GB | 24 months | £25.00 | £230.95 | |
| Mobile broadband 2GB + Acer Aspire One D257 Laptop | 2GB | 24 months | £30.00 | £29.00 | |
| 15GB + Samsung NC110 Laptop | 15GB | 24 months | £36.41 | £1.95 |
About UsBroadbandchoices.co.uk is the UK’s leading broadband price comparison site. We compare over 250 broadband packages from big names like BT, Virgin Media and O2, to smaller, niche companies, so you can find the best deal in seconds. Our price comparison calculator is one of only two accredited by Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator. This means we put the consumer at the heart of everything we do. Since we started in 2005, we’ve invested both in the best technology and in our 24-strong, central London-based staff, to ensure you’ll get the best service. Our prices are checked daily by our teams of product specialists, you’ll find helpful news and tips written by our editorial team, and our broadband experts answer users’ queries on a weekly basis. Finally, our expertise also means we regularly provide comment and insight on broadband issues to the national press. |
What our users say
"...an interesting website; more holistic than the usual money type sites."
Brenda Dixon, Grimsby
"Broadbandchoices.co.uk is a great site to benchmark prices."
Michael Smyth, Bangor, Northern Ireland
"A very up-to-date, informative website."
Keith Silcock, Kent
"This is the first time I have used the site and from what I’ve seen and read so far, I’m impressed. I will definitely be using this site a lot more. Keep up the good work!"
Eileen Hobkirk, County Durham
|