AMD Discontinues Low-Cost PC Program
14th Nov 2006, 17:13 GMT
AMD plans to discontinue the manufacturing of its Personal Internet Communicators (PICs), computers made primarily to extend computing to developing nations. The PIC device was originally introduced in 2004 as a computer without a monitor that ran a modified version of Windows CE. The system came preloaded with word processing, spreadsheet, e-mail, and instant-messaging software, among other applications. The device was part of an AMD initiative to bring Internet access to half the world's population within a decade. But the company had not anticipated it would have to be the manufacturer, AMD's communication director was quoted by news reports as saying. Although demand in Latin America and Africa has been robust, the director stated, the PIC did not prove to be as popular in other major areas, such as China. Major Push AMD is far from the only company that has tried to develop a low-cost alternative computer for developing nations as a way to spark more education and business. Earlier this year, Intel noted that it would focus more intently not only on building inexpensive PCs, but also on providing financing, education, and local content. Microsoft has tried several programs in recent years that feature a stripped-down operating system that is inexpensive enough to help stave off rampant piracy. And MIT Media Lab cofounder Nicholas Negroponte has spearheaded an effort to develop new types of computers that acknowledge the resource limitations present in some countries. For example, he believes a hand-cranked PC would be valuable in regions with spotty electrical power. Miles To Go Despite the enthusiasm of technology companies, the recent situation with AMD highlights the fact that there are still many hurdles left in getting computing to developing nations. In general, there have been price drops and government sponsored initiatives, noted Gartner analyst George Shiffler, but there are...
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