Verizon to Sell HP Mini 1000 for $199 w/Two-Year Contract

Verizon will sell the Mini 1151NR, a variant of the Mini 1000 that has an integrated 3G modem, starting May 17 according to some screen shots Engadget published. The netbook will cost $199.99 aftter a $100 subsidy and a $50 rebate.

Users will have to sign up for a two-year contract that’ll cost between $960 and $1,440 to get the discounted netbook. If you’re concerned about your dollars and cents, I suggest staying away from subsidized netbooks for the time being. You’ll get a lot more mileage out of a USB or ExpressCard modem.

Verizon offers a 50MB/month plan for $39.99 and a 5GB/month plan for $59.99. I’m not entirely sure why anyone would subject themselves to a plan that costs $.80 per MB. I’m guessing it’s more of a marketing tactic so Verizon can advertise the lower starting price. There’s a steep overage fee of $.25 per MB or $256 per GB so you’ll definitely want to keep tabs on your usage regardless of which plan you’re on.