Micron Electronics Inc is the latest PC maker to join the so- called free PC movement, and earlier this week said it would be offering free hardware to customers subscribing to a premium internet service for a minimum of three years. But Micron’s deal is unusual, in that the service must be paid for in advance, at a total cost of $1,087. The price also includes a three-year hardware warranty, along with software and other services.
After three years, subscribers get to keep the PC. Those who re- subscribe get a new PC as part of the new deal. The hardware on offer from Micron is a Millennia VX desktop model with 400MHz Celeron processor, 32Mb RAM, 4.3GB hard drive and 15 inch monitor. The normal list price is $999. Micron is the largest PC vendor to date to shift towards free PC marketing schemes, although Dell Computer Corp and Gateway Inc have both begun to offer free internet services in parts of Europe over the last few months. Buyers sign up at the http://www.micronfreeware.com web site, or face an additional $49 charge if they order over the telephone.
