Chris Bragg [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
While I think there is a real value to the observation that many
development projects stray on the wrong side of the 80/20 rule in an
effort to ensure maximum value from the project, I cannot agree that the
factors effecting decision making are in any way
I think what is at issue here is the different contexts involved.
Edmond Gaible [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
On simplicity: Although laptops are durable and feature low power
requirements, they're more expensive and much more difficult to service.
In school computer labs, teachers and students
Alan Levy wrote:
Well, Perry, I agree to a point and have covered this in a less techie
more socio-political email sent previously. Herein is my argument to
provide an equitable platform for participation, along with a defined
group of basic communications applications.
Everything is
The Simputer is indeed a remarkable piece of technology. I soundly
applaud the designers and backers and all the others who have tackled
the array of hurdles (not just technical) involved.
My only caution is to be aware of the history of almost every truly
innovative technology- namely that
Tom Poe wrote:
Hello: So, you don't have objections to moving computers over to
developing countries, setting them on the tables of all the communities,
and then discussing politics. Is this a correct perception of your
comments?
If so, then maybe the time has come to do just that:
This thread is intriguing and appeals to my long term interest in the
absolute vs relative gains provided by ICTs.
There are really 3 points that I think are important.
1. Absolute gains in living standards. I agree that these technologies
can deliver real gains in access to information,
I think the issues raised under this thread are central to a huge number
of ICT development efforts. It might be very useful to fund a study
which examines the impact of major past technological changes in terms
of equity, distribution of benefits etc. I know such material exists,
but a focused
Tom Abeles wrote:
John Afele's comments, below, are worth some serious thinking. There was
a community biogas project in a developing country. When the gas lines
were installed in the homes, they were pressure tested with water. The
women were so happy to have water, they didn't want the
Richards's point about "better than measured" e-mail access
in the developing world is valid, however it doesn't diminish
the extent of the Nth-Sth gap. E-mail may be the bread and
butter (the killer "app") of the Internet, but real broadband
connectivity is a true multiplier of productivity and
