Comment What are the applications ? (Score 3, Insightful) 227
The success of the simputer will rely on the applications it will be useful for. The article really did not mention any. I know for a fact that farmers in India find out about prices in the various markets by radio and phone. They do not need access to internet for that.
Also most major villages have or are in the process of having "PC centers" with internet access. Here villagers can access the PC for a fee, much like accessing the phone at a "STD phone booth", which is so popular in villages and towns all over the country.
There is no mention of a monthly subscription charge for internet access. I am very sceptical, that combining the cost of aquisition, the cost of internet access and the lack of applications, if the device is going to capture the popular imagination.
Also most major villages have or are in the process of having "PC centers" with internet access. Here villagers can access the PC for a fee, much like accessing the phone at a "STD phone booth", which is so popular in villages and towns all over the country.
There is no mention of a monthly subscription charge for internet access. I am very sceptical, that combining the cost of aquisition, the cost of internet access and the lack of applications, if the device is going to capture the popular imagination.
