Dish To Offer New Subs Free iPad 2

[Tracy Rainwater]

It's not uncommon for satellite and cable providers to offer a discount or free services to attract new subscribers. However, Dish Network's newest offer may just get some people's attention.

Earlier this week, Dish announced they will offer new subscribers who sign up between May 22, and September 18, a choice. They can choose programming discounts for their first year of service, or an iPad 2. While the iPad 2 may initially seem like a strange option, Dish is looking to use it to promote their Hopper DVR which has integrated "Sling" Technology.

With the Hopper Transfers App, the newest Hopper DVR can transfer previously recorded programming, On Demand or live shows to the iPad.

A quote from Dave Shull, Dish executive VP:

“Hopper transforms consumers’ computers, smartphones and tablets, into TVs allowing them to watch, anytime, anywhere.” “Now, with our Hopper and iPad offer, for the first time ever we’ve bundled together everything people need for the true TV Everywhere experience. Providing this device ensures new customers can fully experience all the benefits Hopper offers.”

While this seems like a great deal, be sure to check out the fine print. This offer excludes all other discounts and requires a "qualified" programming package.

[TrippleJ]

lol. Nothing is free!

The end consumer will eventually pay for that "free" ipad2 one way or another.

[Tracy Rainwater]

I suppose it depends on which package you had to go with to qualify, and what the discounts were. It could be a pretty good deal.

[k0rww]

I suppose it depends on which package you had to go with to qualify, and what the discounts were. It could be a pretty good deal.

It's easy enough to calculate which is cheaper. If they're promoting the iPad2, it's probably the better deal.