3G Acer Aspire One for $99? It's actually $1,540!

That Radioshack ad featuring the $99 3G-equipped Acer Aspire One? That was real. And so was AT&T's wishfully priced mandatory 2-year data plan.
The 3G Aspire One goes on sale December 14th, and it looks to be a Radioshack exclusive for the time being. Packed with the standard 8.9" screen, 1GB of RAM, and 160GB of storage, this Atom-powered 3G laptop looks attractive at $99...until you realize that eligible AT&T plans start at $60/month.
Over the course of two years with service, this system will cost the user a total of $1,540. Internet access or not, I draw the line at my underpowered laptop purchases when they hit the triple digits.

The Acer Aspire one netbook with integrated 3G wireless technology, is available starting Dec. 14 exclusively at RadioShack stores nationwide for $99.99 when combined with qualifying AT&T mobile broadband service. (PRNewsFoto/RadioShack Corporation)

FORT WORTH, TX UNITED STATES
Innovative portable notebook technology for $99.99 when combined with qualifying AT&T mobile broadband service
FORT WORTH, Texas, Dec. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Starting Dec. 14, RadioShack Corporation (NYSE: RSH) becomes the first major U.S. retailer to offer an ultra-lightweight, mobile netbook Internet device with integrated 3G wireless technology. Netbooks, designed to fulfill people's growing needs for mobile access to Internet applications, are widely expected to be a hot growth area for the computer industry. The unique combination of technologies created for this launch to help people stay connected enhances RadioShack's reputation for offering innovative solutions at affordable prices.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081211/LATH540)
The Acer Aspire one netbook is priced at $99.99 for customers who sign up for a qualifying two-year AT&T DataConnect mobile broadband service agreement with plans starting at $60 a month. Once activated, this netbook allows people to easily access the Internet anywhere within AT&T's wireless network. The offer is available in 4,400 RadioShack company-operated stores through Dec. 24. Prices may vary outside the continental U.S. See stores or visit http://www.RadioShack.com for complete offer details.
"Many people internationally are already enjoying the portability, on-the-go connectivity and affordability of this emerging new technology," said Peter Whitsett, RadioShack's executive vice president - merchandising. "We are proud to introduce this concept in the U.S. by offering a netbook with integrated 3G functionality in addition to full Wi-Fi capability.
"RadioShack is offering this innovative technology solution at a very attractive price through our collaboration with Acer and AT&T," he continued. "Helping people stay connected during these challenging economic times illustrates our continued commitment to meeting their personal technology needs affordably."
The lightweight, 2.44-pound netbook includes 1GB memory, 160GB hard drive, built-in memory card readers and Windows XP software that supports the portable connectivity needs of commuters, students, travellers and mobile professionals. This allows everyone to keep in touch via email, participate in social networking sites such as Facebook or Twitter, use the built-in Web cam and crystal-clear LCD screen for video conferencing with family, friends and business associates, conduct online research, and a host of other online functions.
The Acer Aspire one 3G netbook comes equipped with the following features:
— Weighs 2.44 pounds
— Ultra-compact size measuring 9.8" x 6.7" x 1.1" (W x D x H)
— Stylish piano-black finish
— Built-in 3G capability
— 802.11b/g wireless (Wi-Fi)
— 8.9-inch LCD screen
— Built-in Web cam
— Intel(R) Atom(TM) processor
— Windows XP(R) Home
— 1GB memory
— 160GB hard drive
— Built-in memory card readers (dedicated SD and 5-in-1)

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