HP Markets Cheap 4-User PCs To African Schools

Kracs writes "HP are supplying their low-cost multi-user 441 desktops to African schools. Running Mandrake Linux, and sporting four screens (1xTNT2 AGP, 3xTNT2 PCI), keyboards and mice (1 PS2 set, 3 USB sets) they provide relatively cheap computer access for up to four users (of particular interest to schools in low economic zones). However, according to this article on New Zealand's Xtra news page they've only manufactured enough to outfit schools in South Africa. HP has commented that they're talking to several organisations and are hoping to bring the PC to market in other regions but have stated they will only be marketed to developing countries." (Remember, there are also home-grown methods to achieve similar results.)

Comments

From the HP site:

[JasdonLe]

From HP's description of the 411:

• Linux Operating System:
• increased reliability and enhanced security (emphasis mine) minimises maintenance of the computer in the classroom.

Now...Am I the only one who still gets a grin out of stuff like that?

Re:Why

[kir]

Ladies and gentleman. I believe the parent post is some sort of spacial anomaly. It may be dangerous to tread here.

As I write this, the parent contains both the words Newt and Gingrich and it has been modded to "4, Informative". Dangerous indeed.

Never fear though... the thread is young and -1 Trolldom is only five ideological clicks away.

A geek that grew up in rural Africa

[EmbeddedJanitor]

I grew up in rural africa, though I was a privaleged white guy who went to university, studied computer science and have been a programmer etc for over 20 years now. I have lived outside of Africa for ten years now, but can still stumble along in two African languages. My life and values are seriously out of step with mainstream Africa, but at least I recognise this from actual experience - ie talking to real Africans.

I have an observation: most of Africa is based on subsistance agriculture. Most Africans don't have a bank account, electricity, running water or even access telephone (let alone a telephone in the house). In short, most Africans have no need for a computer.

It is the height of arrogance for western cultures to think they can "fix the world" by applying western technology and values.