Original URL: http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/01/21/france_sfr_eee_pc_3g/
French ordinateuristes can now buy Asus' elfin Eee PC with integrated HSDPA 3G, courtesy of local carrier SFR.
The package bundles an white Eee PC 4G with a similarly hued USB HSDPA modem capable of download speeds of up to 3.6Mb/s.
SFR wants €299 (£223/$435) for the lot, but it's pledging to give €100 of it back after buyers have signed up. The deal also requires purchasers to take out a connectivity subscription: €29.90 per month for 24 months, or €34.90 a month for 12 months.
Since the whole things is a special deal, SFR's only offering 1000 of these Eee plus 3G packages in total. The offer (http://www.espacesfr.com/v5/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&langId=-2&top=Y&identifier=EE2&sfrcpid=HP_NA_MEA_1) ends on Wednesday, according to the SFR website.
Asus Eee PC and friend: au bord de la mer
Ironically, the Eee PC should be able to have a 3G modem mounted inside it's diminutive casing - or would if Asus hadn't cheekily stopped fitting a secondary Mini PCI port within the Eee's expansion bay. First-generation Eee PCs had such a slot, but recent versions of the laptop - include this reporter's own unit, bought just before Christmas - do not.
Thanks to reader Steve for the tip.
Related Reviews
• Vodafone USB Modem 7.2 (http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/01/16/review_vodafone_usb_modem/)
• Asus Eee PC 4G (http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/11/16/review_asus_eee_pc/)
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