Free Gadget and ultra cheap PC Offers.

By: Brad Eden

Copyright 2005 Brad Eden

You've probably seen the ads for "low cost" PC's - "PC's for
$199" - or even "free" computers. If you're in the market for a
personal computer, the you should know that "free" doesn't
always mean free. Very often, certain conditions and
restrictions found in the fine print of advertisements for
"free" or "low cost" PC's can turn a so-called deal into a big
ticket buy.

"Free" or "low-cost" PC offers often require "bundled" Internet
service contracts, which may last up to three years. In return
for signing up for Internet service, you can get as much as a
$400 rebate on the computer purchase. While some of these offers
can be good deals, many are not as affordable as they may seem.
Frequently, important details about the rebate and Internet
service offer are difficult to ferret out because they're left
out of the advertising or buried in the fine print.

Up-Front Costs To get a "low cost" PC, you may have to pay the
full cost of the computer up front - that is, the total price
without any rebates. If the PC is advertised for $199 after
rebates, you may have to pay $599, plus any sales tax and
shipping charges, and then send for the $400 rebate.

Usually, you have to apply for the rebate in writing, mail in
documentation of the sale and then wait - sometimes months -
until you receive your rebate check. Sometimes "instant" rebates
are offered and you can get your deduction immediately. But some
offers allow you to spend the rebate only on other merchandise
from the manufacturer or retailer, meaning you still have to pay
the full price for the computer.

Internet Access When you buy a "free" or "low cost" computer,
you often have to sign up for three years of Internet service at
$20-$30 a month - a total cost of up to $1,000 for three years.
Technology is changing at a dizzying pace. It's possible that
the three-year Internet service you lock in today could be out
of date in six months or a year. And if you'd like to cancel
your service, you'll likely have to pay a substantial penalty.

If you decide to cancel your Internet service for any reason,
chances are you'll have to pay back some or all of the rebate
you received; you also may have to pay a cancellation fee of $50
or more.

If you don't live in a major metropolitan area, you may have to
pay long distance telephone charges to access the Internet. Or
you also may be able to use a "toll-free" (800, 888 or 877)
number supplied by the Internet Service Provider (ISP), but you
may be charged five or six dollars an hour to use their
"toll-free" number. Whether you choose to use the ISP's
telephone number or pay long-distance charges, your phone calls
to access the Internet could add up to more than you'll save
through the rebate.

If the PC offer requires you to sign-up for Internet service,
ask the retailer and the ISP for the Internet access phone
numbers closest to you. Then check with your local phone company
to determine whether you have to pay long distance rates to use
those phone numbers. You may want to consider another offer if
the "deal" you're considering requires you to call long distance
or pay a fee to access the Internet.

Other Costs It's possible that the cost of a monitor or other
crucial system components may not be included in the PC offer
you're considering. The advertisements for the offer may not be
clear about what's included. If you have to buy a monitor, for
example, plan on spending at least an additional $150.

When considering a "free" or "low cost" PC offer, ask the
retailer about up-front costs, rebates, essential components,
Internet access costs, long-term commitments, cancellation
policies, local or long distance phone access and any other
important issues. Details will help you make the deal that's
right for you.

About the author:
Brad Eden is a Entrepreneurial Sciences expert with 14 years of
industry experience in real estate, marketing and technical
communication. He currently consults with IBM in CA. Brad owns &
operates a free traffic resource for entrepreneurs.
http://www.americanfreetraffic.com