Hacker News Reader

Comment by gregd | Hacker News Reader

It would have made more sense for KS backers at the $99 level and up, simply own the device now. As it stands, I can visit the site and pay $199 for said device (ownership) and it comes with the 1 year of service. Quite honestly this whole debacle has left me with a sour taste in my mouth and I highly doubt I'll be renewing when my year is up, especially given that I have to pay $149/year I believe..

View on HN

$99 KS is a great deal. Device ownership costs more upfront, but cheaper long term. There's really three options for you:

1. $99 + $120/year (not $149). First year is free.

2. $99 + $79 (upgrade) + $49/year. First year is free. We included 6 months additional service with this offer.

3. Return $99 device, pay $200 up front + $49/year. First year is free. This is basically #2, but more expensive, and no 6 months free.

There is a huge gap between the yearly fees of option 1 & 2. I might miss something but if the business model was based on ~ $10/month/user how come it is still viable with ~ $ 4?

When you lease the device if the hardware fails then Space Monkey replaces it. If you own the device and it fails outside of the 1yr warranty, then you have to replace it. The difference is about recouping hardware costs over the lifetime of the device.

This should be written in the email they sent out! Thanks for clarification.

You'll either be paying $10/month or $49/year. Those are the only two subscription models the company has ever offered for a 1TB device.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com