Telstra and Acer launch Next G embedded laptops

Telstra has revealed it will begin selling Acer laptop computers embedded with connectivity to the carrier's Next G broadband network.

Telstra's T(life) stores will sell two Acer Aspire One Netbooks and one Acer Aspire Timeline Notebook (4810T) embedded with embedded network cards.

Telstra customers can buy the Acer Netbooks and Notebook for $0 upfront payment on a $39 data plan plus monthly laptop repayments starting from $30.38 per month for 24 months.

The devices will come preloaded with Telstra's MyPlace application, which provides step-by-step assistance on set-up and connection and access to Telstra and BigPond services, including email, search, maps and news.

Glenice Maclellan executive director Telstra Consumer said the Acer embedded laptops will be available from 33 selected T[Life] stores.

"Telstra worked with Acer to make sure once a customer has purchased an embedded laptop it was simple and quick to connect to the Internet," she said. "They are able to leave a participating T[Life] store with their device set up, allowing them to start surfing the Internet straight away.

"There's no need to use a Wireless USB device or connect to ADSL via cables... which means they're simple and convenient for customers."

A Telstra spokesman said at this point in time, the Acer embedded notebook is only available from selected T[life] stores, however following feedback from customers it may look to expand it to the rest of the channel in the coming months.