Sprint offers Lenovo IdeaPad U310 Ultrabook for $800 with 3G/4G mobile hotspot device
Hoping to differentiate itself from more popular competitors Verizon and AT&T, Sprint is the first mobile carrier to offer an Ultrabook as part of a data plan bundle. You can get a Lenovo IdeaPad U310, along with a 3G/4G mobile hotspot device, for $799.99 with a two-year Sprint mobile broadband service agreement.
Considering that you can order the IdeaPad U310 for the same price online through Lenovo's site, you're essentially getting either a Novatel Wireless or Sierra Wireless hotspot for free while being (virtually) tethered to Sprint. You do get three months of free service, but after that you're paying $34.99 per month for 3GB of combined 3G/4G data or or $49.99 per month plan with 6GB.
As with Lenovo's own online configurations, the Sprint-offered U310 comes with an Intel Core i5 processor with GMA 3000 HD integrated graphics and 13.3-inch display. Our own James Kendrick reviewed the Ultrabook and concluded that it "is a solid choice for those looking for a reasonably priced Ultrabook."
If you get the Novatel Wireless hotspot, you can share Internet connectivty with up to five devices, while the Sierra Wireless Overdrive Pro 3G/4G mobile hotspot will allow up to eight devices to share mobile broadband. You can choose which hotspot you want when you order online through Sprint. (It will also be available through Sprint's phone sales, Sprint Business Sales and Sprint Business Solutions Partners.)
Do you think bundling Ultrabooks with mobile data service is a good idea? Or does the subsidy need to be greater in order to entice you to buy from a carrier instead of from another retailer?
[Via HotHardware]