Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

Just seen this anyone in the know have any details?


http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile...netbook-616403

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

Yep, it's mentioned in thier latest press release

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/12...b-30-sept.html

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

thanks Kymmy but i was after what selected packages were open to this offer?

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

That thread is not on about the press release its on about 50 megs price drop

There is not much on the netbook in the release but it does give this thread cred

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

Well it links to the press release which as you yourself has stated doesn't say much about the netbook ;) We all know though that it'll probably be a way of getting people onto the VIP XXL package..... :rolleyes:

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

Blimey, they'll be offering motherhood and apple pie next.

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

Yeah you aint gonna get away with the £5 mobile broadband offer lol

Anywhere that ive seen making these offers have a min spend of £30 such as mobile phones and mobile broadband over a ridiculously extended contract.

If I wanted a netbook id just buy one anyway lol

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

Good for you Zing, however for some people they will see this as an easier and cheaper way to get a netbook or new computer.

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

yes by saving up the money that VM would be having on a product I do not want.

If a customer wants mobile broadband and whatever else is required of them then all the power to them. I simple mean I am not going to pay for a service that I will not use just to get a netbook

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

It is wireless N capable and can be used with a normal account but on a premium package.

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

can you put that a little clearer please

The netbook I assume is wireless N and can be "used" what do you mean by used?

I am taking it forgratten that you do not think I do not knwo what a netbook is lol

What mobile broadband package do you have to have how much is it and what other services do you need to get the deal

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

Lose the attitude zing - If you don't want a netbook, fine, I am sure I and the rest of us can get over it.

But this may help others out there and is a good deal.

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

We've just this minute been told that VM will have information on the netbook packages up on their website tomorrow.

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

I was trying to clarify the pricing I seriously did not understand what he meant. <removed>

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

You do not have to take mobile broadband if not required just a standard XL broadband package for 24 months.

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

Thanks for clarifying that point Mol. I'm on L BB but I may do a few sums and see if going up to BB XL for a couple of years is cheaper than buying a Netbook outright. I take it I would need to stay on BB XL for the full 24 months?

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

Its a 24 month contract for the laptop deal and you must complete the contract term.

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

Only the XL package, shame. Can't afford the XL, hell I can barely afford what Im on, and I do need a new portable computer, my thinkpad is on its last legs.

Oh well. For those who can afford the XL package, it does seem a reasonable deal (not a great deal tho).

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

I will be signing up tomorrow :)

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

Though there is a one of fee of £50<?> if you don't take the dongle

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

So it aint a free netbook then!!

And dont be telling me that is to cover postage!!!

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

The offer is a free netbook when you take Triple XL or above + mobile broadband!

Don't take mobile broadband then you don't get netbook free

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

is the £5 mobile broadband adequate?

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

If not, then I assume you can always opt for the £15 3Gbyte one

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

What about if you're already on VIP, would adding mobile broadband get you the free netbook?

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

The press release does say

So it'll probably be a case of existing customers will have to take a new 24 month contract with them

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

As far as I know thats correct - and you would NOT be able downgrade during the 24 months, you have to stay on the bundle you are on

So you have to be REALLY sure you would afford the VIP + dongle for another two years

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

I have to admit, these deals (and I am talking about all these free netbook/notebook/console deals) *are* good value if you have a use (and are happy to pay) for 24 months of broadband.

They aren't such a good deal if you are just looking for the device. After all, you can get a decent netbook for around £200-£250. Consoles and low end laptops are around the same. 24 months of broadband comes to around £840.

I am not knocking the deal. I'm sort of looking for a netbook, and if I could justify the move back to Virgin (I am happy with Be, and they are a *lot* cheaper), I would consider this.

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

I wodner if any of these selected great value bundled packages will be available for adsl people.

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

It's a cable only offer at present :(

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

Ah well... If they change can you let me know please :) :tu:

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

Virgin Media have issued us a quick view of the Netbook... Here you are:

[img]Download Failed (1)[/img]

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

Also available in Red but be quick as the stocks are limited for that colour.

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

I'm suprised they didn't spec one with an internal 3g card

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

It does not say that you have to get the wireless anywhere package, so all new premium customers can have the netbook without the extra expense of getting a mobile dongle and also where is the £50 fee mentioned to sign up.

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

What OS is the netbook running, I thought it was pre-installed with Windows, but the picture shows a OS X type of system - custom linux version?

Also, does this mean they will start supporting Linux?

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

I have seen a couple of photos and the dongle is plugged in to the netbook, so you will get the dongle as part of the package.

The spec sheet says its Windows XP, I think that photo is just using a mocked up screen, as it looks like the screen grab was taken from OS X.

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

whats on the screen could just be a photoshop

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

Just tried to order but they didnt have the details for exsisting customers!!

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

I'm an existing customer who's JUST started on a 12month 50mb contract (Previously 20mb).

Anyway know if there's a way for me to wrangle one of these by offering to extend my contract to 24 months?

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

It should be possible

Saying that the list of bundles on the netbook page don't match what we got told - as they said it was ONLY the Triple XL + dongle that qualified for it

Nor do they match the T&Cs at the bottom which say:

You must continue to subscribe to at least the following combination and level of services for your minimum contract term: Cable: XL TV; XL Broadband; XL Phone, Virgin Phone line; and 3GB Mobile Broadband. National: XL Broadband; XL Phone; Virgin Phone line; 3GB Mobile Broadband

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

Well i am on XXL Broadband, M TV and M Phone, they are saying that i have to go XL on TV and Phone to get it!

Shame the website says something different!!

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

Ok I may back down on what I said now lol

I am starting a new package Sunday XXL BB M TV and M phone if I was to add the dongle 1gig is a fiver a month isnt it? would I be eligable for the netbook? I dont mind paying a fiver a month for one even though I dont want it :D

As you say though it does appear that there is a cock up between the fancy web page offerings and the terms and conditions I would be surprised to be able to get the netbook on a low end package

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

so to clarify you can only have the netbook if you take up a mobile broadband dongle contract?

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

as it stands at this point in time what you need to subscribe to to get the netbook is as clear as mud :)

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

You might as well just pay bthe £50 charge it works out cheaper!

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

true but it gives me another toy anyway lol looks like im going back on 2 things ive said recently lol by getting 50 meg and now considering this netbook but it does appear you may need xl tv and phone which I wont be doing

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

I think to get the netbook deal the 1GB is £15 a month.

Even I am a little puzzled on the pricing and packages!

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

its weird.

I was just told I can have the netbook by just adding the 1 gig mobile broadband but he couldnt do it today because my account is in a mess because of how they are pricing my package.

If I was a new customer I could order online 50meg m tv m phone for £47.25 including by the looks of it phone line
Giving up my loyalty discount and totally changing everything for some reason the XXL BB has a base cost of £52 which he is having to credit me £17 to get it to £35 and somehow my costs are £4 than if I was to sign online as a new customer @ £50.70

He said if I call after its all sorted ie middle of next week I can add the 1 gig mbb start a new 2 year contract and get the netbook

Stephen how can they increase the price of a product? thats then a charge of £10 per month for 2 years which is £240?

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

just had a reply from Virgins twitter service about how much it would cost extra on V.I.P to get the notebook

quote

"If you go to quad play VIP (with 3GB per month mobile BB) and re-contract you get the freedom laptop. £15 extra per month". AB

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

I would advise care to everybody at this moment as the website and the deals are not coherent. There is no information available from what I can see that gives us any idea of what we can or can't do.

The website itself has contradictory information and sales staff appear to have been told something else again.

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

Right

You get the Free netbook when you get the Triple XL or above + £15 3Gb Mobile Stick

or

For lower packages you need at least

BB L + Phone or above if you don't have TV

BB L, TV L or above with/without a Phone if you do have TV

then you can add the netbook + 1Gbyte mobile stick for an extra £15 a month

All require a new 24 month contract

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

I was just told that I need to be on xl tv and xl phone to qualify for the offer at an extra £22 per month - no mention of the mobile bb dongle...

I'm currently on m phone m tv and xxl bb

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

What happens if you already have Triple XL+ and mobile broadband ?

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

thanks for clearing that up :)

So where did they get that price from then? £15 per month for 1 gig mobile broadband is 3 x the price of what you can get 1 gig mobile broadband with l xl or xxl bb on a 12 month contract and pay 25 quid

I do not mean this as an attack on VM staff here or I do not mean to appear to be posting with attitude but does this not scream scam? the netbook is costing and extra £240 per the 2 year contract

Actually I see what you have been told there Ben . It only says free laptop for the trip xl it says you can have the net book if.. meaning its not sold as free

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

It is also available for National customers as well Thomas.

Here is the Official Link to the Netbook http://allyours.virginmedia.com/html...s/netbook.html

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

my heads officially gone, :confused:

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

I think you are in the wrong thread some how.:D

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

No-one said it was free across all packages

And it's just as 'free' as other 'free' netbooks

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

As I said I was not having a go at any VM staff at all and I did also say I noticed that point about it not being marketed as free :)

At least now we know the only way it is free is if you are triple XL and any other way there is a charge for the net book :)

It needs to be made clear so people can make advised choices :)

---------- Post added at 12:31 ---------- Previous post was at 12:24 ----------

Again to just clarify and again not an attack

On the netbook page it says

Broadband L phone M TV M with 1 gig MBB = £29 plus £11 phone so £40
but on the build your own package page its says
Broadband L phone M TV M = £19.50 pluss £11 phone = £30.50 so that shows a charge of £9.50 for MBB?

Again I mean no disrespect am I reading the figures wrong and if I am can you explain how :)

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

You can't order the netbook online - so it is not included in the bundle builder

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

so the prices are different? the bundle builder prices are different to the prices you get if you call?

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

Yes they are different - because the bundle builder prices do not give any netbook options!

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

Hang on: that netbook page says: free netbook when you take L BB, Mobile BB from £20 a month if you take a phone-line, and then the legal stuff says:

What's up :confused:

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

I phoned up about an hour ago to enquire about reducing my services and add 50MB and I mentioned the Netbook offer to the woman at the other end (I forget her name). She told me that the Netbook offer was only available to NEW customers for the foreseeable future and will be made available to existing customers based on how well it is received.

WTH!?!!

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

Well, the world would be an awful place if we weren't allowed to sometimes change our minds!

Netbooks tend to do that to people - they certainly do it to me! I quite like the idea of having an ultra small, yet fully functional and connected laptop. Even though I loathe even standard PC laptop size trackpads - 10 minutes with an Eee PC, although nice, made me want to take a knife to the trackpad and chuck the whole thing out the 9th floor window (Apple's trackpads are very good, though - so I merely dislike them) - the size alone is enough to make me interested in this. Ideally, however, they'd also offer a convertible tablet like the GIGABYTE M912X, perhaps for a small extra cost - I see that there's a Menagerierumpus Snapcrackleandpopbook Pirouette (or, only slightly more sanely, the Zoostorm Fizzbook Spin) from Zoostorm, although it's targeted at younger users (based on the Intel Classmate, I believe).

Indeed, if the trackpad thing was the only barrier, I'd probably pounce on this because I can't really see myself wanting to switch away from VM for broadband (I'm also in the market for a cheap mobile broadband plan, since O2 want £15 to tether my iPhone with 1GB of data, and a netbook would go beautifully with that), but it isn't. I switched to Sky for TV, (after saying I'd never do so!) and it's still unclear as to whether their forthcoming STB VOD service is going to require a Sky Broadband connection. I hope it doesn't - BT charge ridiculous amounts for a new install *and* tie you into a 12 month line rental contract, then there's speed issues, etc - but if it does then I don't want to be tied into an extra long contract with VM. It's not like I have any regular use for 50 meg - it's nice, and was something I had to have, but anything reliable and over 5 meg would probably do me fine (although I'd ideally want at least 8 because 5/6 mbit/s is probably the minimum for pre encoded HD).

Still, it's a good deal (I'm just picky!), and it's nice to see. If you can stomach a 2 year contract, it's ideal!

Sam

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

Realistically you are getting the laptop for its retail value but spread over the term of the contract. The same as all netbook/broadband deals.

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/phot...MZzQOe3nVn8%3D

Its nice.

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

one in the post for me in red, had to take out no new items and he did not say anything about the 24 month contract.

But I do have XL Phone, L BB, M TV and 1gb Mobile BB.

thanks vm!

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

How much do you pay for that ?

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

nothing, they said as i have all the services already i could just have one.

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

Wonder why they told me it was for new customers only?

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

I find it had to believe that the system would let you have it now for free without putting you on a new 24 month contract. I have XL everything v+ and 1gb Dongle, so if this is true, I shall be giving them a call when I get home.

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

OK further clarification - sorry.

The important bit is that you have BB L or above AND at least one other service

---------- Post added at 15:42 ---------- Previous post was at 15:41 ----------

You WILL be tied into a 24 month contract - it is complusory, and you will have to pay £10 more per month on 1Gb Mobile Dongle

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

never told me that, if i do I will be on the phone, 24 month contract is fine but the £5 from £15 I will not be ok with.

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

That is what the offer is

In simple terms its:

A bundle with BB L or above + £15 for the 1Gb dongle

or

A bundle with BB L or above + £25 for the 3Gb dongle

you can't get the netbook otherwise

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

sorry did not know you worked for them, :-S

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

I currently get XL BB, M TV, M Phone and just spoke to sales who said the only way i can get the offer is to upgrade my Tv and phone to XL and pay £50 upfront fee.

Is that right? I was under the impression i could just pay £15 a month extra for the 1Gb dongle and get the net book

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

As far as I read it you are right

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

Thanks for the help, i shall give them another ring. Wish me luck :D

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

has anyone else who bas the same as me tried to ring them? as I only got the Dongle about 3weeks ago.

He said on the phone, You don't need another dongel as you have already got one. I did have a heck of a time getting through to someone who knew about it though.

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

Hi there new noticed this deal today
i am currently on m-bb, xl-tv, xl phone and also have v-plus just looking for an idea on what deals i could get from virgin including this free netbook before i give them a call. I am looking at canceling and going to sky for hd and also would be better for the footy.

cheers

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

First of all you would need to upgrade to BB L to qualify. What bundle deal you then get is seperate to the mobile/netbook part.

You would get then get the netbook when you added on the 1Gb mobile dongle for an extra £15 a month and agree to a new 24 month contract

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

Ok, this new information makes it more interesting. Could you clarify, if at all possible, does the netbook "remain the property of virgin media" like the "free" routers etc, or does it belong to the customer?

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

It belongs to the customer

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

You are paying for the Netbook it is not free

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

Just had a reply from the CEO office, for VIP customers with 1GB Mobile broadband a £50 one off fee is required, with no other monthly charges/changes.

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

Just rang them up as an existing customer on XXL BB, M TV and M Phone, was told i would need to upgrade to XL TV and XL Phone plus pay extra £15 a month for the dongle plus pay a one off £50 fee and take out a fresh 24 month contract. No way is that worth it, would end up paying virgin way more than what ANY netbooks would cost over the course of 24 months. Impression i got from the website was that customers could get it for free on bundles costing alot less than that.

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

Try again next week - there seems to be some internal confusion over what existing customers need. Hopefully will be clarified by then!

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

There are many alternatives - not least of which is simply buying your own netbook, of course.

The Lenovo S9 is only £199 at Tesco or they appear to offer a network deal with '3' to provide one 'free' in exchange for a 24 month contract at £24.47 per month.

http://www.tescocontractmobilephones...-deal-builder/

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

Just got off the phone to CS/Sales who say i'm not on the pre approved list so i'm not eligible for the offer, he said he wasnt sure whether it was because the systems weren't working properly or because of credit rating, etc.

Assuming it's the credit rating or whatever how come virgin are happy for me to be on the VIP pack for well over a year at nearly £100 a month, but now i want to add mobile broadband for £15 a month (taking my service charge to £60 a month) my money is not good enough for them. :td:

Does this sound right or has the CS rep got it wrong?

Thanks

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

I must admit to being somewhat confused as to how this netbook can be advertised as "free" when, as far as I can tell from VM's website, 1GB mobile broadband packages with the netbook cost £10 more per month than those without it. Of course, every other mobile company does it - but you're paying £240 for the netbook over the life of the contract, which isn't immediately clear. It does seem that VM's 3GB + netbook package is at no extra cost, though.

I suppose it's a bit like mobile phone contracts (in fact, it's probably exactly like mobile phone contracts...) with a "free" phone - and to be honest I'm not entirely sure how they continue to get away with that either! For example, comparing O2's standard 600/500 plan at £35pcm for 18 months with their simplicity 600/600 plan at £20pcm for just a 1 month minimum term shows that over 18 months you pay £270 extra for taking a phone - so, as with the laptop deals, I can hardly see how the term "free" applies there!

As I said, it's not just VM doing it - it's just always confused me how a phone/laptop can be advertised as "free" when it's obvious to any clod with a calculator that "free" doesn't usually come into it...

Sam

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

The term free applies in regards to the monthly price - in that there are no additional costs on top of the advertised price for the laptop/phone

It is academic as to whether to you can get the same services cheaper without the netbook/phone - as the two prices are not referenced in the advertising

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

Hmm. You see, I don't think it is academic (mathematic, maybe!), because taking a 1GB package with the laptop costs, in a very real way, £240 more over 24 months than the same service taken over the same period without said laptop.

Indeed, by my own (perhaps, occasionally, a little too logical) common sense, it is academic as to whether the two prices are referenced together. The fact still remains that the two services exist, and the only real differences between them - excluding the laptop - are the contract length and monthly price.

I suppose the entire discussion about this is somewhat academic - it seems as if a committee of people much cleverer than I am, and therefore much more qualified to define something as logically common "sensical" have decided that this sort of arrangement is fair*, certainly not in any way misleading and above all legal. Who am I to argue?

Sam

* Not that I actually think that being able to spread the cost of a laptop/phone over 24/18/12 months is unfair - it's a good way of getting a new device and not paying much, if anything, upfront. I do struggle to think of it as being anything other than a form of credit, though, which is why I think it's slightly misleading...

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

called them this morning about this deal but they clearly didnt have a clue. Spoke to retentions as i am thinking of canceling who put me through to sales who said i would need to go onto triple xl to get the netbook. I am currently on xl tv and phone but med bb and this would cost me 73.00 a month
I currently pay about 35.00 - on the website it states you can get 1g mobile bb l-bb and m tv and phone for 29.00 plus 11 for phone line so 41.00 a month. I then asked how much to add xl phone to this and was told it would be 58.00 plus i would need to pay 50.00 up front.
Think the offer is a bit of a con you can get a netbook from mobile providers for the same price
i spoke to retentions again and they said they would look into it and call me back that was at 0900 this morning and still not heard anything.
arse and elbow comes to mind:mad:

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

But that's exactly what I'm trying to say.

Virgin only describe it as 'free' on adverts with the higher price. If you do pay that higher price then it is free - because there is then no extra cost.

If they did advertise the normal bundle with the netbook option - they would have to advertise it as + £10

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

i'm on the VIP package, I have no need for mobile broadband, is there any way to get the netbok without signing up to mobile broadband? I don't mind paying a reasonable price.

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

think u would just need to pay 50.00

But dont quote me on that;)

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

My dad (who is on the vip pack) did just that. He also had the choice of paying for delivery to get it in three working days or not paying delivery and just getting it within the month.

Re: Free Netbook from Virgin?
 

Phoned them up and in 45mins had the red netbook on order for £50 with a £30 credit being applied to my next bill. Should get it in 10 days.

Good times :)