Chicago (IL) – Verizon has confirmed that it will be selling the 3G enabled HP Mini 1151NR netbook for $200. However, the subsidized price is contingent upon activiation of a new two-year mobile broadband plan.
“Customers using the lightweight HP Mini 1151NR can access the Internet, e-mail and browse the Web quickly and reliably with service plans that begin at $39.99 monthly access,” Verizon explained in a statement.
The 1151NR features a 10-inch screen, a 1.60GHz Intel Atom processor, an 80GB HD and 1GB of RAM. The unit, which offers Bluetooth support, weighs 2.45 lbs and measures 10.3 in (L) x 6.56 in (D) x 0.99 in (H). The netbook is pre-loaded with Windows XP Home Edition (SP3).
According to PC Magazine, the 1151NR is equipped with Qualcomm’s embedded Gobi chipset, which allows access to both CDMA and GSM networks. Customers will reportedly receive a SIM card if they choose to sign up for a Global Access plan, which begins at $130 per month. If the Global Access plan is not selected, the device will utilize an EV-DO Revision A embedded modem instead.
It should be noted that 1151NR is expected to be sold with a 3-cell battery, which would provide approximately 2-3 hours of power.
The May 17 Verizon netbook launch comes shortly after a similar announcement by AT&T, which currently offers netbook models from Dell, LG, Acer and Lenovo.
Verizon adds:
“There is a Gobi chip in the Mini 1151R but there is no SIM which is holds your data so the device is recognized on the GSM network. CDMA networks (the technology used by Verizon Wireless) do not use SIM cards. When you sign up for Global Service, we provide you with the SIM card. You don’t need a SIM in the US because CDMA doesn’t need them. You can get the $129.99 plan for Global use which includes your 5GB for the US and 100 MB for International.”
