The provision of a complimentary slate-style computing device in conjunction with the purchase of a cellular telephone represents a promotional strategy employed by telecommunications companies and electronics retailers. This marketing approach aims to incentivize customer acquisition and retention by offering perceived added value beyond the primary product.
This tactic can stimulate demand for cellular service contracts and boost sales of both device types. Historically, such bundled offers have coincided with periods of increased competition within the mobile communications market, or during the launch of new phone models. The potential benefits for consumers include reduced initial costs for accessing both a mobile communication device and a portable computing platform.