3 Mobile Free Compaq CQ62 Laptop + Mobile Broadband 15GB

Independent review with up to date prices, details and special offers for this package...

Free laptop! (The new Compaq CQ62)
Ultra lightweight & portable laptop
Free mobile broadband modem
15GB monthly usage included (extra data 10p per MB)
Fastest mobile broadband speeds in tests
24 month contract

At a glance: 3 Mobile Free Compaq CQ62 Laptop + Mobile Broadband 15GB

Our Rating:

Monthly Price:	£30
USB Modem Cost:	Free
Contract Length:	24 months

Mobile Broadband:
Max Speed:	Up to 3.6Mb
Usage Limit:	15GB

Chosen Package Options:
Free Compaq CQ62 Laptop + Mobile Broadband 15GB Free Compaq CQ62 laptop.

3 mobile broadband review: Compaq CQ62 Laptop & Mobile

Like a free lunch, a free laptop might be a pipe dream but it can still be good value as this deal from 3 mobile broadband proves.

What's the free Compaq CQ62 laptop like?

The Compaq CQ62 Presario laptop is a high-quality basic laptop.

free compaq cq62 laptop review

If that sounds like a contradiction then consider this: you'll get 2GB of RAM and a fairly high quality, bright LED screen but it's still lightweight - just 2.96kg - and comes with a netbook-sized 160GB hard drive.

Unlike many budget laptops, the Compaq CQ62 also avoids looking too cheap and nasty: the chassis is an eye-pleasing textured finish rather than matte black.

Battery-life is a minor concern - that six-cell battery should hold out for at least four hours of light use away from the mains but that makes the CQ62 more of a desktop replacement than an on-the-go machine.

You will also get Windows 7 installed on the Compaq CQ62 laptop, a good extra, especially since 7 has been getting better reviews than the much-griped-about Windows Vista.

What's 3's mobile broadband like?

3 continue to bring innovation to the mobile broadband market, despite the fact that they've been at it longer than anyone else.

They have the best coverage of any mobile broadband provider, with around 90% of the UK covered it shouldn't matter where you live - or travel to.

3's mobile broadband should offer speeds of up to 3.6Mbps which is a pretty average advertised speed. However, actual speeds will depend on your location and 3 admit on their website that likely speeds will be "up to 2.8mbps".

Still, this is still an adequate speed for mobile broadband.

Even with the decent 15GB allowance it's worth noting that you'll pay 10p for each MB of data that you exceed but luckily, the 3connect software that you get free with your dongle will help you to keep an eye on your usage.

Is the free Compaq CQ61 laptop deal worth it?

To find out whether this deal is worth it we'll compare this free Compaq CQ62 laptop with mobile broadband deal to buying the Compaq CQ62 laptop and mobile broadband separately.

compaq cq62 review

You can buy the Compaq Presario CQ62 with these specs online for £380. You can buy 15GB mobile broadband from 3 on a 24 month contract for £15 a month: £360 over the length of the contract. So that's £740.

Over the whole length of this 3 mobile broadband with free Compaq CQ61 laptop contract you'll pay £720.

So that's £20 saved, not a bad deal in anyone's book and especially when you consider that you'll be able to spread the cost of the Compaq CQ62 over 24 months .