Sticker Shock
Remember the $100 laptop? Turns out, when you add up the total costs of ownership, the tab can actually top $2,600.
Remember the $100 laptop? Turns out, when you add up the total costs of ownership, the tab can actually top $2,600. Projects such as One Laptop per Child and Intel's Classmate PC have sought to bring low-cost computers to classrooms in poor countries that can't afford mainstream technology. A recent study by Vital Wave Consulting, however, shows that training and support expenses eventually dwarf the initial outlay, putting total costs on par with conventional machines. "You have a cheaper device, but you still need to understand those other costs," says Vital Wave's Karen Coppock. The ultracheap devices might not even last as long as ordinary computers, leading to sizable replacement bills. Classmate PC and One Laptop per Child hope to boost computer life spans with rugged, kid-friendly designs, but so far, the end product hasn’t quite caught up with the hype.
Remember the $100 laptop? Turns out, when you add up the total costs of ownership, the tab can actually top $2,600. Projects such as One Laptop per Child and Intel’s Classmate PC have sought to bring low-cost computers to classrooms in poor countries that can’t afford mainstream technology. A recent study by Vital Wave Consulting, however, shows that training and support expenses eventually dwarf the initial outlay, putting total costs on par with conventional machines. "You have a cheaper device, but you still need to understand those other costs," says Vital Wave’s Karen Coppock. The ultracheap devices might not even last as long as ordinary computers, leading to sizable replacement bills. Classmate PC and One Laptop per Child hope to boost computer life spans with rugged, kid-friendly designs, but so far, the end product hasn’t quite caught up with the hype.
More from Foreign Policy
Can Russia Get Used to Being China’s Little Brother?
The power dynamic between Beijing and Moscow has switched dramatically.
Xi and Putin Have the Most Consequential Undeclared Alliance in the World
It’s become more important than Washington’s official alliances today.
It’s a New Great Game. Again.
Across Central Asia, Russia’s brand is tainted by Ukraine, China’s got challenges, and Washington senses another opening.
Iraqi Kurdistan’s House of Cards Is Collapsing
The region once seemed a bright spot in the disorder unleashed by U.S. regime change. Today, things look bleak.
Sign up for Morning Brief
Foreign Policy’s flagship daily newsletter with what’s coming up around the world today. Delivered weekdays.
By submitting your email, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and to receive email correspondence from us. You may opt out at any time.
