Could we soon see a $100 laptop?

It may be possible that consumers will be able to purchase a laptop for as little as $US100 in the not too distant future, according to technology analyst Gartner.

It may be possible that consumers will be able to purchase a laptop for as little as $US100 in the not too distant future, according to technology analyst Gartner.

Several ICT companies are working to develop very cheap mini-laptops that could be a hit both for cash-strapped schools and massive, but low income, emerging market economies.

Gartner argues that the $US100 laptop is not a realistic objective for computer makers within the next three years – while scale, increased demand and falling component prices will help drive down costs, packaging, assembly and software costs are likely to remain the same.

But beyond that time, and provided some key stumbling blocks can be overcome, it is possible we could see the $US100 laptop.

“The economic benefits of IT literacy in emerging markets are currently driving the push for the $100 PC, but there are many open questions that remain,” Annette Jump, Gartner research director says. “These include determining the relevant hardware specifications, power availability, availability and cost of internet connection, as well as providing adequate finance and payment options for emerging markets where funds may well be extremely limited.”

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