Exactly, which is why I hope it doesn't take off. The subsidy model has been lousy for mobile phone buyers; manufacturers have greatly reduced incentives to provide support after the initial sale because you're locked in for the contract. If you want a computer on an installment plan, use a credit card.

PeoplePC did this about a decade ago, as well as one other service provider I think. Subsidizing inexpensive commodity commuters as part of an internet service package.

It'll be interesting to see what success Google has with their attempt, and what they do differently.