Actually, in this case the website/company was very transparent / upfront about the costs and what you are paying for. We got the free trail with no cost for the tablet, and it was very clear from the start that the “free” tablet was a condition of keeping the subscription for a year after the trial (21 days from day it shipped) was over. Usually the tablet alone costs around $300+ and then the subscription fees are monthly, 6mo, or yearly. They included Smile Tablet Care (for accidents/damages) for free for the first year. I was not happy that the trial started as soon as the tablet was shipped (before I actually received) it but again they tell you this upfront so I had the INFORMED CHOICE of paying for 2 day shipping so I could make the most of the trial time. If we chose not to keep it during the three week trial then I can return it and have my money returned. It made the decision process a lot easier knowing what I was getting into from the start. They also offered the PayPal option which I know from experience meant that if I chose to return it and they didn’t give me my money back I could easily dispute it thru PayPal once I had proof of return and receipt, but my bankk account would not be touched. (PayPal has been great about this in the past with prev purchase). Bottom line is that YES some companies are shady and lock you into a subscription you didn’t intend to have, and then won’t cancel or refund you. However THIS TIME I can say I don’t feel like that happened. I knew what we were getting from the start. The 1 year cost for this self-paced, closed-system, tutoring tablet that we can use any time of day as long as desired, is WAY less than I would have to pay for just a summer tutoring program or a half year worth of tutoring at a physical location with limited times/sessions at set times and days. (Just Google the costs for Mathnasium’s sessions or summer program as an example).