Rumors surfaced a few days ago that there may be a matchup between Verizon (News - Alert) Wireless and HP in the promotion and sale of HP Netbooks through the Verizon Wireless network. According to Verizon Wireless, the rumors are actually truth.

 

The mobile venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone (News - Alert), Verizon Wireless Communications stores will feature the HP Mini 1151NR starting Sunday, May 17, 2009. The netbooks will sell for $199.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate and new two-year activation on a Mobile Broadband plan.

The HP Mini 1151NR can be used to access the Internet, e-mail and to browse the Web with service plans to begin at $39.99 per month. With Verizon Wireless’ Global Service and the HP Mini 1151NR becomes a workhorse in more than 175 destinations, more than 45 of those offering 3G speeds.

Customers will receive a mail-in rebate in the form of a debit card, which can be used anywhere debit cards are accepted.

 

Reuters reported today that the netbook will offer the Windows XP Home edition operating system and will weigh 2.4 pounds.

The netbook market is still evolving and growing heavy with players such as AT&T (News - Alert) and Nvidia Corp. trying to dominate the market. Wireless chipmaker Qualcomm Inc. and Freescale Semiconductor Inc. have both designed ARM-based processors that can be used in netbooks.

The popularity of netbooks grew rapidly in 2008 as companies such as Acer (News - Alert) Inc. and Asustek Computer Inc. rapidly emerged to try and dominate. Now, nearly every PC vendor offers some sort of Intel Atom-based netbook, which includes the HP Co. and Dell (News - Alert) Inc.

As consumers throughout the world continue to become more mobile – despite the slumping economy – the demand for innovations that make mobility more feasible continue to be in high demand. This latest announcement out of Verizon Wireless will certainly draw attention as its customers will certainly flock to the new offering.

 

Of course the company is banking on the netbook’s ability to draw in the new contracts, whether it is organic growth or extending the revenue opportunities with current clients. Either way, the growth should be healthy and profitable.