Netbooks have struggled to take off in India, despite the population. It’s estimated that this year will see 300,000 netbooks sold compared to last year’s 40,000, which is an improvement but, based on the population, of around one billion, Liliputing describe this number as being “peanuts”. To change this trend, India will be the next country to bundle netbooks with 3G data plans. Asus and Dell are currently working with wireless carriers to make this possible in India.

Over the course of the contract, the netbook can end up costing more than buying it up front but, you also get the data usage and some consider it a way to pay for netbooks in instalments.

Verizon Wireless is reportedly prepping to launch its very own subsidized netbook, a device that will be bundled with some form of the carrier’s wireless broadband service. The project doesn’t sound like it’s anywhere near completion, and pricing info isn’t available yet, but a person close to the project is cited to have confirmed this. Verizon already has competition in the form of AT&T as far as selling unsubsidized netbooks isn’t concerned, but the wireless carrier is expected to offer a similar, if not better deal, selling netbooks in the company’s stores, and retail partners who also may stock them. Interestingly, what kind of netbook Verizon is going to sell or from what manufacturer it’s going to come from wasn’t revealed. Perhaps the wireless carrier is aiming to entice potential buyers, with the right price rather than the right brand.

Via Bloomberg