Vodafone is now offering laptops and netbooks as part of its mobile broadband packages.

The broadband provider is offering consumers three computer choices when signing up for a dongle contract - the Acer Aspire One D257, the Acer TimelineX 4830T and the Acer Aspire 5250.

Consumers seeking an Acer Aspire One D257 netbook can pay £25 per month over a two-year contract for 1GB of mobile broadband data.

This broadband deal also carries a £29 one-off cost when consumers sign up with Vodafone.

A 2GB per month data option also exists for consumers seeking the Acer Aspire One D257, for which they pay an additional £5 per month.

According to the firm, the netbook is "ultra-convenient" for carrying thanks to its compact design and 1.3kg weight.

It comes with Windows 7 Starter, an Intel Atom N570 dual-core processor, 1GB memory, a 320GB hard disk and a 10.1" LED-backlit LCD display.

The Acer TimelineX 4830T laptop is available for £37.50 per month over a 24-month deal, with a one-off payment of £69 also required.

Along with the laptop, consumers are able to download up to 2GB of data on their dongle each month.

The laptop - which comes with Windows 7 Home Premium, an Intel Core i3-2330M dual-core processor, 2GB memory, a 320GB hard disk, 14” HD LED-backlit LCD display - is set to be "jam-packed with features".

"It's thin and light with a black aluminium finish, long battery life, and has mobile broadband built-in - so you can browse the web easily on the move," said Vodafone.

Consumers seeking an Acer Aspire 5250 pay an initial £49, and then £35 each month over a two year contract for 2GB of data.

Vodafone said the laptop has a "stunning" 15.6" screen, a dual-core processor and long battery life.

"There's also a webcam for video calling, a large 3GB memory and a 500GB hard-drive," it added.

If Vodafone mobile broadband users exceed their monthly data allowance, they incur a £15 penalty per gigabyte.

However, mitigating this somewhat is the fact that 2GB per month of free Wi-Fi is available using BT Openzone's wireless broadband hotspots.