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PCs for the masses

Posted on August 3, 2005 by iksib

ezbprideAccording to this BBC article, Indian company HCL Infosystems has launched its first low-close personal computer. A mere 9,990 ruppes (~$225), the machine’s specifications include a VIA or Intel Celeron processor running at 1 GHz, 128 MB DDRAM, a 40 GB hard drive, 15″ monitor and Linux as its OS.

Reading this, I can’t help but think about MIT Medica Lab cofounder Nicholas Negroponte’s $100 laptop project, which strives to provide cheap computers for those in developing countries. As prices for mass-produced computers continues to fall and projects like Negroponte’s continue to push manufacturers to go cheaper and simpler, the potential for rapid growth of the non-wealthy user base is undeniable. According to HCL’s CEO and Chairman, within 15 months of launching a computer priced below 15,000 rupees (~$340), the company’s market share grew more than 10 percent. Granted, the ability of the extreme poor to even afford a machine costing a few hundred dollars is suspect, but lower cost computers will increase access for millions (even billions).

Take a look at these numbers (from 2002, courtesy the CIA World Factbook):

    Of a population of nearly 296 million, the US has an estimated 159 million internet users (53.7%).
    Of a population of more than 1 billion, India has an estimated 18 million internet users (1.8%).

Look out, world.

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Posted in General | 2 Comments
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2 thoughts on “PCs for the masses”

  1. Prasad says:
    August 4, 2005 at 4:36 am

    Not too sure what you exactly want to say comparing statistics of US and Indian internet users.

    Reply
  2. iksib says:
    August 5, 2005 at 8:02 am

    The idea was to simply give readers an idea of how much the number of Indian computer users can grow, ideally with the help of a low-cost pc.

    Reply

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Jeremy Toeman is a seasoned Product leader with over 20 years experience in the convergence of digital media, mobile entertainment, social entertainment, smart TV and consumer technology. Prior ventures and projects include CNET, Viggle/Dijit/Nextguide, Sling Media, VUDU, Clicker, DivX, Rovi, Mediabolic, Boxee, and many other consumer technology companies. This blog represents his personal opinion and outlook on things.

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