Orange broadband plan comes with MacBook
updated 02:45 pm EST, Mon December 18, 2006
Broadband and a MacBook
Worldwide internet provider Orange is set to provide a free, entry-level MacBook for its French customers alongside a specific broadband subscription plan. The company hopes to entice younger customers who might otherwise shun computers or high-speed internet. Vnunet writes that the basic plan costs EUR60 ($80) per month for 1Mbps, but has an 8Mbps upgrade option for an extra €5 ($7). Apple will receive €35 ($46) of the bill to cover the price of the MacBook, and customers can initially lease the laptop for a period of up to three years but may choose a lease-to-own program after six months. Both companies say they hope to deliver 1,000 MacBooks within the initial six months of the plan's existence. Consumers can subscribe via the Orange website or at 12 France Telecom stores until January 17th.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2005
How about US?
The concept is fantastic! For €65 you get fastest broadband out there, and get it wireless. And you don't even have to buy a laptop - you get one for free! This is a great way to put Mac in unsuspecting people's hands. Imagine when these MacBooks begin filling up with iPhotos, iMovies, iTunes and other iDocuments...
This sounds like a great move for both Apple and Orange. If only there were a fast enough 3G carrier in the US (Cingular? Verizon?) to offer the same...