It was only a few years ago that laptop computers were expensive, far less powerful than their desk bound cousins and supplied with batteries that would run for 20 minutes and then explode in a cloud of black smoke and broken dreams. However, a lot has changed and now there are companies literally giving laptops away, usually as incentives to sign up for a monthly contract of some kind, and there are a variety of ways for the savvy consumer to get a great laptop computer for pretty much nothing.

Laptops and Mobile Broadband

The majority of laptops given away are supplied in unison with mobile broadband contracts. Mobile broadband is the latest in 3G mobile network technology, and allows you to connect to the internet on the most modern mobile phone handsets or laptops paired with mobile broadband USB dongles at speeds of between 3.6Mbps and 7.2Mbps depending on your provider and the area in which you are using the connection, as it is reliant on being within range of a 3G network.

In order to get more people to sign up to mobile broadband connections companies like Orange and 3 Mobile are offering laptops free with a commitment to a monthly contract. This is mostly thanks to the popularity and power of 'netbooks'.

A netbook is essentially a small laptop computer that has all the right hardware and software for surfing the internet and for use as a word processor, and because it's not packed with state of the art stuff they are relatively cheap.


If you've not got your own laptop, for as little as £20 a month you could get one free as part of a mobile broadband deal. However, it's not just netbooks that are being offered free, as more powerful laptops are also available from certain networks and from third party resellers, so if you're interested in a more powerful machine but still want it free then it's definitely worth shopping around.

Free Gift Offers

It's not just the mobile networks who are offering laptops as part of mobile broadband packages. You can also get laptops 'free' with mobile phone contracts as an alternative to cashback and other incentives which are being offered across the web.

There are a variety of methods for claiming your free laptop and it all depends on the terms and conditions of the particular seller you choose. You may need to redeem it once you have successfully paid for the first month of your mobile service, or you may need to put down a deposit.

In some cases there may be no redemption required, but the only way to really find the best deal is to check around or use our comparison pages to tot up deals from all the big retailers.

Bear in mind that no laptop is truly 'free' and you will ultimately be paying for it throughout the duration of your contract, whether it is for a mobile phone or with mobile broadband, with some contracts lasting 24 months.

Check that the deal you're getting your free laptop in unison with is right for you and isn't limited to offset the cost of the laptop, but otherwise happy shopping and good luck!

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