Tom Hoffman again offers an interesting review, this time about the potential of a $100 notebook personal computer. I understand that educators, as do others, look for less cost when talking about buying electronic equipment. That’s in part why no personal computers are manufactured in the U.S.
I wonder if it’s realistic for educators to expect to purchase and have support for a unit soon for $100? I wonder where anyone will be able to buy these tools once they are manufactured?
The margin for at least eight years between the cost of most $1,500 – 2,000 PCs to a computer store (brick and online) and customer cost has been only about $100. Yea! Only about $100.
So, if school purchasing agents want to pay $100 per unit, where will they buy these units? What manufacturer, wholesaler, or retail business will afford to sell these to schools? And at that price, what support will the seller be able to provide except as a loss leader?
Anyway, thanks, Tom, for your review. I like the thought of an electronic tool complementing paper in schools. The topic of low-ball costs for electronic tools leasves many unanswered questions for educators.