Free Gadget and ultra cheap PC Offers.

by: Brad Eden

Copyright 2008 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 It's possible that the three-year Internet service you lock in today could be out of date in six months or a year.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 


Circulated by Article Emporium

---

Finding Places To Access The Internet For Free

by: Ron King

In an increasingly wireless world, there are lots of places where you can connect your laptop to the internet when you are out and about. These places are called "hotspots," and if you know where to find them, you may never want to go home again.  How To Find Public Hotspots  The first place to look for hotspots is big public institutions. Libraries are increasingly offering wireless access. And, if you're a student, chances are that your campus is already wireless-enabled, or will be soon.  Searching Out Private Hotspots  The private sector, though, is the real growth area in wireless hotspots. Businesses are falling over themselves to provide free internet access to their customers. Cafes, hotels and airports are all starting to offer wireless access to anyone nearby. All you need to bring is a wireless ready laptop.  You may wonder how it benefits businesses to offer free wireless internet access. They are willing to pay the minimal cost in exchange for the new customers it brings in, especially in areas where internet access is hard to find. Customers see wireless access as a big added value, and they vote with their feet and wallets for places that provide it.  Tracking Down The Hotspots  Even though there are thousands of hotspots, they don't advertise this service well. Doing an internet search for hotspots in your town could really surprise you. In a town of any size, it would be surprising if there weren't lots of hotspots to choose from.  There are plenty of websites you can go to to find hotspots. The most comprehensive, though, is generally thought to be JiWire.com. Or you can type your zip code into Yahoo Maps and choose 'WiFi Hotspots' from the menu on the right of the screen.  Can't be bothered with all this? Then just look for a Starbucks. They are everywhere, and almost all of them offer wireless internet access. Borders and Kinko's are also good places to try. Failing that, just ask at a place of your choice.  Not All Hotspots Are Free  Some of the larger hotspot networks require a small fee to a wireless Internet Service Provider to use them. You usually buy a prepaid card where the access is offered -- it's easy and affordable. If you want to save your money, just stick to the smaller, independent places.  Get Your Own Free Hotspot Software  If you like visiting hotspots, you might be interested in an easier way to find them. Just download and install hotspot locator software on your computer. This software has a database of known hotspots that you can search at any time, whether you're online or offline. Just type in a zip code or the name of the town, and the software will give you a list of the nearest hotspots, sorted by distance from you. Each time you make an Internet connection, the software downloads the latest hotspot list, to keep your database current. How cool is that?  This hotspot locator software is available free from hotspot provider sites. T-Mobile Hotspot, for example, at: http://www.tmobile.com/hotspot.  About the author: Visit http://www.havewireless.comfor more info. Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer. Copyright 2008 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact.  Circulated by Article Emporium

Free Home Based Internet Business

by: Jeff Schuman

Taking advantage of a free home based internet business can  afford you many benefits. There are not only the monetary  benefits, but lifestyle benefits as well. Whether lifestyle or  monetary, these benefits can be far greater than the benefits  you receive working for an employer.  If you are already working in your own free home based internet  business or just entertaining the idea, be sure to evaluate your  options and consider the value of the benefits you will receive.  A home based internet business can provide you with  independence and financial freedom if you make smart decisions.  It is not always money that motivates people to start a  home-based internet business. Sometimes the intangible benefits  are more important factors when considering home-based business  opportunities.  One of the more powerful draws to working from home is the sense  of freedom you gain. You can set your own schedule, work the  hours that are most convenient for you, and have time available  for family obligations and leisure activities.  Parents with children in school often think about what free home  based internet businesses may be available to them. Teacher  conferences, after school activities and the ability tobe home  when the children are out of school are strong motivators in  making the decision to start a home-based business. Working from  home gives you the benefit of flexible hours and the freedom to  adjust your schedule according to the needs of your family.  Stress reduction is another benefit of operating a free home  based internet business. Any business will likely produce its  own kind of stress, but certain stressful factors can be avoided  when you take advantage of the more promising home business  opportunities that are available to you.  You will have no daily commute, you will save money on gas and  automobile expenses, and you will have the extra time in the  morning and evening to relax and interact with your family  instead of spending that time getting to and from work. If you  plan properly and budget your time wisely, being your own boss  can reduce the stress you feel due to constant demands and  co-worker interruptions.  A home-based business opportunity cannot only give you the  benefit of earning money while working from your home it can  give you many other benefits as well. A home-based business is  the perfect chance for you to attain financial and personal  freedom.  There are numerous free home based internet businesses available  to you. Research each one carefully and make sure you are  willing to put forth the effort that will be required in order  to succeed.  About the author: Team-Schuman.Com contains the best make money online  and make money websites available today. If you want to  make money check us out here:  http://www.team-schuman.com/free-home-based-internet-business.html Circulated by Article Emporium