BBC News - £98 PCs target UK digital divide
Low-cost computers are to be offered as part of a government scheme to encourage millions of people in the UK to get online for the first time.
Prices will start at £98 for a refurbished PC, with subsidised net connections available for £9 a month.
Much cheaper than the £1000 package that Labour was offering last year!
Free computers and broadband access | The Labour Party
Except that the new package is just a box - doesn't include the internet connection ("a further £9 per month")
And it is a refurbished machine and from what I have read there is limited information about how it will be tailored for those with disabilities, even though it is aimed at such.
The main reasons why it is cheaper is because they are refurbished machines, a specific company is taking on the support (instead of it being an open market) and the lack of licences.
Other than that it is the same goal, same ideas and without sufficient thought will hit the same block ... namely when they ask the question, "So why do I need this then?"
The training is key to all this ...
TBF thats a very hard question to answer. For one it the answer will be different for everyone, but mostly how do you explain to someone what they are missing out on when they have never experianced it themselves; "Ive done without it for 50 years so why do I need to do it now". The same probably goes for every peice of technology, but due to the nature of the web it is alot more complicated than "why do I need a car when I can walk"...Originally Posted by GrumbleDook
I know from my own family and friends families that the older generation is very sceptical of things like "you can pay for things online" or "you can research anything online" with answers of "I can pay for things as the post office" or "I can go to the library", but once they actually try it for themselves they are hooked.
I disagree with the whole idea. Whatever next in this crazy world.
Why? I think its an good project, as it opens up the internet to those that don't use it at the moment. Giving them access to job sites, government information that's online etc... If the government can have this scheme in place, so there's no excuse for people not having an internet connection, then they can have some services online only, and eliminate lots of paperwork etc...
Is all of that not already freely available in local Libraries?
Which councils are closing left right and centre, or are miles away from people.
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