231: competing to connect

Last week (post 223) I posted a story about the next installment of the '$100 laptop'. Today, yet another company, Dell, announced its intention to manufacture and market what it has called 'the perfect device for the next billion internet users'. Well, that remains to be seen, of course - not least since there are no details about specifications or pricing as yet, as today's linked article from BBC points out. However, the very intent of Dell - and increasing numbers of other companies - to compete at the 'lower end' of the market is encouraging. It demonstrates that we are now on a trajectory through which a range of communications technologies, from cell phones to netbooks, will become more affordable and accessible. The potential for commerce, education, cultural exchange and access to services (and other less salubrious persuits some are bound to point out) in low- and middle-income countries is nothing short of revolutionary. (Photo BBC online.)