Found this too on Money Saving Expert website:
Re: FREE £800 IBM Computer!!!!!
« Reply #19 on: Jan 1st, 2004, 8:59pm » Quote Modify
----------------
This isn't the first time such a deal has materialised. The last time (about 3 years ago) it contained a banner ad constantly on around the screen.
Be very careful with this. I have no further information on this than its website gives, but I've done some work on this type of thing (paid to surf offers) in the past
i. Must watch ads: I suspect you will be forced to be on the computer to watch the ads, as it will require the mouse is in action in a specific way to prove you are using it.
ii. Unspecific terms and conditions: The ads will be a max of 3 mins per hour. You need to be using the computer 30 hours a week to qualify. However there is no note of what happens if you do not qualify. Is the computer withdrawn? Are you fined? Are you charged? Do you need pay a preset market price for the computer? You do have 14 day cooling off period once you sign up - however after this it says
"The PC is lent to you for a term of 36 months, after which you will be offered a new computer and a new agreement, or you can simply return the old machine to a local collection point."
Overall be very careful. Don't sign up to this deal without at least knowing the answers to the questions above. Realistically this is a computer that should only be considered an option for someone who has no other way of getting one.
PS. A final thought.
Based on past growth the top computers available in three years time will be four times as powerful as the top ones today - 3 years is a long time in the world of tech
Martin
« Last Edit: Jan 1st, 2004, 8:59pm by MSE Martin »