Dell plans $99 Inspiron netbook

Dell has announced a deal with AT&T which has seen the Inspiron Mini 9's price slashed

Dell has unveiled plans to sell its Inspiron Mini 9 netbook model for $99 (£67) as part of a package with US telco AT &T.

Users will be required to sign a two-year contract for AT&T's LaptopConnect wireless broadband service. Normally sold for $449 (£305), the package will be offered at a $350 (£238) mail-in rebate.

The two companies plan to offer the discount to US customers until the end of January. Both sides hope that the deal will spur consumer interest in the market for netbooks.

"The Mini 9 is designed specifically for mobile hi-def lifestyles that require fast and reliable access to email, social networking and internet surfing, and this offer adds exceptional value to the equation," said Dell global consumer sales and marketing vice president Michael Tatelman.

While bundling discounted netbooks with service contracts is still uncommon, the practice is standard among mobile phone retailers and service providers.

The deal will be the first for Dell, but not for AT&T. Last month, the company offered a promotion with electronics retailer Radio Shack which bundled $99 (£67) Acer netbooks with a service contract.