The move to subsidize netbooks has already begun. In fact, AT&T and Verizon are already giving away netbooks for as low as $50 to those who sign up for a 2 year wireless contact. But Sprint seems to have outdone them all by introducing the first $1 netbook. Compaq Mini 110c-1040DX netbook is being offered for $199 for anyone who prefers AT&T or Verizon to Sprint. But if you are a fan of Sprint network, you can get your netbook for $0.99 only.

I do believe that wireless carriers need to offer more competitive netbooks to gain traction with their subsidized netbooks. Compaq Mini 110c is certainly a capable device but it’s not a top of the line netbook. Besides, I do like to see more transparency on the part of wireless carriers when it comes to these wireless contracts. Navigating through all the terms and conditions can be a hassle, and some of these carriers don’t do us any favor by trying to use smaller fonts to hide those not so popular fees.

Subsidized netbooks have certainly got a future in the netbook market. If you need Internet access at all times, you can save a bit of money by going for a subsidized netbook. But wireless carriers need to offer netbooks that people actually want to buy, not devices that are already on their way out or not that popular. And it would help if these carriers had more recession friendly plans to let more folks take advantage of these deals. Nevertheless, the emergence of $1 subsidized netbooks is a decent news for netbook fans.