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Acer: Netbooks Mean Business (In School)
Generally speaking, The VAR Guy has been careful not to hype netbooks. In many cases, the low-cost consumer devices are either too cheap or too underpowered (or both) for demanding users. But there are some real examples of well-designed netbooks -- and promotional efforts -- succeeding in the IT channel. Here's a case in point from Acer.
The VAR Guy
April 15, 2009
2 Min Read
Generally speaking, The VAR Guy has been careful not to hype netbooks. In many cases, the low-cost consumer devices are either too cheap or too underpowered (or both) for demanding users. But there are some real examples of well-designed netbooks — and promotional efforts — succeeding in the IT channel. Here’s a case in point from Acer.
Let’s rewind a bit. In recent months, Acer has been running a K-12 Seed Unit program to put netbooks in the hands of schools. The program generated buzz on TheVARguy.com and on more traditional channel IT sites like CRN.
The result… According to a press release issued today.
“Acer’s last K-12 Seed Unit program drew participation from more than 1,200 education customers and VARs….
Based on the overwhelming success of last quarter’s K-12 Seed Unit program, Acer is again offering schools the opportunity to “test drive” an Acer Netbook for use in the classroom through a free, no-obligation 30-day trial.”
Here are some quick details:
The program runs now through August 31, 2009.
Any K-12 school or school district in the United States is eligible to enter.
The only requirement is that they use an Aspire AOD150-1165 Netbook free for 30 days and participate in two short conference calls with Acer to provide feedback about their experience with the product.
Schools can also purchase their trial netbook at a 50 percent discount or return it to Acer without further obligation.
Sounds cool. But let’s pretend this is a TV infomercial. Surely, Acer is going to offer you something more before you pick up the phone and participate… So Acer, is there a bonus?
Yes. The company says:
“In September … Acer will hold a random drawing(2), where one participating K-12 school or school district will win a computer lab, while three other schools will receive 30 Acer Netbooks. The computer lab consists of 30 Aspire One Netbooks; 30 Veriton Desktops; and 30 Acer 17” V Series LCDs.”
Again, sounds cool. But is this a direct sales pitch? Actually no. Acer says:
“VARs who sign up an approved school or school district will be eligible to win one of five powerful Acer Predator gaming desktops.”
Ahem. Sounds like it’s time for The VAR Guy to become a reseller… For more info, check out Acer’s site.
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