Whether one approves of Wal-Mart's overall business model or not, we have to admit that this particular product is indicative of the larger Digital Divide problem over all. By that I mean the distribution problem: the largest providers of data services have a tough time building out the infrastructure to even give people in rural areas the option of meaningful access to the Web.
Xandros had the right idea in going to a distributor/retailer like Wal-Mart given the chain's ubiquity in rural areas. But there still has to be a compelling reason for people to actually shell out the $200 for the machines, and that's also part of the issue - a part about which we've spoken before.
Perhaps the question we ought to be discussing is this: how can we make the most of the availability of affordable computers in these areas? While broadband access remains something of an issue, there are still 21st Century Skills opportunities, I would think.
Any thoughts?
Cheers, Charlie Meisch [EMAIL PROTECTED]
----Original Message Follows----
From: "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], The Digital Divide Network discussion group<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: [DDN] the cheap computer
Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2004 12:01:09 -0500
Thanks for the post Carolyn.
The point which I was trying to make is that the cost for computers is
quickly becoming almost a "non-issue". That, of course, is not to say that
the poorest of the poor can't feed themselves- that is another issue.
The concern regarding Wal-Mart needs a more substantive addressment than a post which differentiates corporate giving in the United States. Wal-Mart, in spite of all the concerns about its corporate practices continues to enjoy increasing sales, globally, particularly from persons of lower income who find the prices for food and other goods within their budget at Wal-Mart. And whether or not they share the sentiments of a faction within the US, continue to patronize Wal-Mart and bolstering its position as the world's largest retailer.
If, indeed, the public at large were concerned, then there would be a response which Wal-Mart would feel financially and would have to address.
That they continue to enjoy public confidence as evidenced by their financial success should give everyone on this list pause to ask WHY. And it should aks whether all the current efforts regarding the digital divide may need serious reassessment.
Your raising this question should generate a serious exchange not only on DDN but GKD and the many other digital divide discussions on the Web.
thoughts?
tom abeles
Original Message: ----------------- From: Carolyn Birden [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Tue, 14 Dec 2004 19:33:14 -0500 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [DDN] the cheap computer
WalMart's prices may look tempting, but you might want to consider the following before you buy:
http://www.buyblue.org/bluexmas.html
Carolyn Birden
At 8:19 AM -0600 12/14/04, Tom Abeles wrote:
>Wal Mart is everywhere, even in the PRC. And now they have a
>commercial version of what was to have been the volkscomputer
>
>thought this would be of interest:
>
>Xandros & Microtel Deliver $199.98 Linux Desktop to the Masses
>http://www.linuxelectrons.com/article.php/20041209213249573 Friday,
>December 10 2004 @ 07:30 AM
>Xandros, the leading developer of easy-to-use Linux solutions, today
announced
>that Wal-Mart.com is carrying a fully loaded Linux desktop computer with
the
>pre-installed Xandros Desktop Operating System (OS) for only $199.98.
>Built by Microtel and available at Wal-Mart's online store,* the new
>desktop PC
>offers a complete suite of pre-installed software for home, school, and
small
>office desktop use. The PC provides an affordable alternative to all other
PCs
>on the market today. The $199.98 price tag includes a free subscription to
the
>Xandros Networks news and update facility which features a huge inventory
of
>open source and commercial software that can be downloaded and
>installed with a
>single click.
>"Xandros is known for its friendly graphical environment in which
>even computer
>newbies feel right at home, and you can work without the constant dread of
>viruses, spyware, and system crashes. We are delighted to offer Wal-Mart
>customers this value-packed PC with the secure Xandros operating
>system for the
>'Everyday Low Price' of $199.98," said Rich Hindman, Vice President
>of Microtel
>Computer Systems. "With Xandros you can browse the web, send your
>e-mail, create
>papers and presentations, and burn CDs with a couple of mouse clicks. The
>Xandros PC also works beautifully on your home computer network."
>"Wal-Mart shoppers expect to get a bang for their buck," said
>Andreas Typaldos,
>Xandros CEO. "This $199.98 PC is the best deal around -- it even
>provides a free
>subscription to Xandros Networks with its single-click updates, plus
>free access
>to the Xandros Support Forum. This value-packed Microtel PC running
Xandros is
>perfectly compatible with your Windows network and files, but
>remains immune to
>Windows viruses and carries a much smaller price tag."
>All Xandros offerings at Walmart.com provide well-structured menus
>and a careful
>selection of user-friendly programs for browsing the web, sending e-mail,
>downloading photos, and many other computing tasks. The bundled
>office suite is
>compatible with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. The exclusive
Xandros
>File Manager provides seamless access to Windows network resources and the
>ultimate in drag-and-drop burning of music and data CDs.
>Other outstanding features of the $199.98 Xandros Desktop PC include
multiple
>virtual desktops so users can separate their Internet, office, graphics,
and
>other tasks, simultaneous tabbed browsing of multiple webs sites, pop-up ad
>blocking, automatic spam filtering, and a built-in Ethernet connection. All
>hardware and software is fully tested and certified by Xandros Labs.
>For details on the complete line of Xandros Wal-Mart offerings, please
visit
>www.xandros.com/walmart/
>
>
>
>
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