Handspring Inc. on Monday announced a deal in which customers can buy a Treo 180 or 180g communicator for $99 if they also sign up for wireless service through T-Mobile.
Handspring and T-Mobile will offer $150 rebates to customers who buy a Treo 180 or 180g along with a set amount of GPRS (general packet radio service), which will bring the usual $249 price of the device down to $99. The Treo 180 combines a cell phone with a data device that includes both basic management functions as well as wireless e-mail. It runs the Palm operating system.
To qualify for the limited-time offer, customers must buy a monthly service contract that includes at least 10MB of data along with voice service. Such plans start at $39.98. T-Mobile requires a commitment of at least 121 days. Customers who cancel before 121 days are subject to a $100 cancellation fee.
The rebate is available through Handsprings Web site. Officials declined to say exactly how long it will last, but assured it will be at least through Christmas, or while supplies last.