This thread is precipitated by these articles:
Geekzone
Quote:
AOL Optimized PC for the masses
News : Mobile : Computing, posted 13/08/2004 01:16:27 NZ
America Online, Inc. has announced the introduction of the AOL Optimized PC, a computer system that includes the hardware and software needed to get user up and running and online, claims the company.
Available for US$299.99 with a 12-month AOL membership commitment of $23.90 a month, the AOL Optimized PC will be available this month in Office Depot stores, and soon in other major retail locations across the US.
The company is targeting the 27% of U.S. households who have yet to purchase their first computer with a complete system that offers language preferences for both English and Spanish.
The AOL Optimized PC includes the hardware needed to get started: a PC, monitor, printer, speakers, a mouse and a keyboard. Color-coded cords, a large 4-color instructional poster and an instructional video have been included to help make it simple to connect and set up the various components right out of the box.
The AOL Optimized PC is also pre-loaded with software including Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition and AOL 9.0 Optimized. AOL 9.0 Optimized offers built-in online safety and security features, including Parental Controls, spyware protection, Web pop-up controls, enhanced spam fighting tools, and AOL Computer Check Up.
The AOL Optimized PC also comes bundled with the AOL Office suite, a version supplied by Sun. This suite of productivity applications consists of: AOL Office Writer, AOL Office Calc and AOL Office Impress.
Specifications of the AOL Optimized PC manufactured by Systemax include:
# Processor: Intel Celeron Processor 2 GHz
# Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition (pre-installed)
# Memory: 256MB RAM
# Hard Drive: 40GB, ATA 100, 5400 rpm
# Optical Drive: 52x CD-ROM
# Network: 10/100MB Ethernet
# Modem: 56K v.92
# Ports: Four USB 2.0 Ports (two front, two back)
# Monitor: 17" CRT monitor (minimum 15.7" viewable)
# Printer: Lexmark Color Inkjet Printer
# Peripherals: Standard Multimedia Keyboard, Two-button Wheel Mouse, Speakers
# Additional Pre-Installed Software: AOL Office suite of spreadsheet, word processing and presentation software; AOL 9.0 Optimized Internet service, the latest version of the AOL and AOL Latino services
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More details on the reasons they have given for this from
this Routers article.
Quote:
AOL launches low-cost PC plan
Internet service provider targets minorities and seniors with PC package and 1-year Web service.
August 12, 2004: 7:03 AM EDT
NEW YORK (Reuters) - America Online said Thursday it plans to sell a low-priced PC targeting low-income and minority households who agree to sign up for a year of dialup Internet service.
The online unit of Time Warner Inc. will begin selling the computer and service at Office Depot this month.
The launch is part of a broad strategy at the recovering online service, which has seen 2.2 million members abandon its service.
Over the past two years, the company has attempted to find new sources of revenue by appealing to different categories of customers including the Spanish-speaking and teen markets.
Executives said it hoped to attract the 27 percent of U.S. households comprised of seniors, African Americans and Hispanics who do not yet own a PC.
The computers will come configured with a simple desktop with large icons that send users to specific areas of the AOL service or applications loaded on the computer. They can also be preconfigured for Spanish language speakers.
The company said its AOL Latino service launched last October has already become the leading service provider for the U.S. Spanish-speaking community, with over 2 million members.
AOL plans to launch a service targeting the African American community, called Blackvoices, in September.
Time Warner (TWX: Research, Estimates) is also the parent company of CNN/Money. Top of page
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As much as I loathe to admit I like anything about AOL, and the typical AOL user, I think increased access to information is a good thing.
There are whole markets here that will be left behind if they don't have access. The idea of a low cost computer, though tied to AOL, is something we need. Even though these users are going to see mostly what AOL offers through those damn big stupid user buttons, some of the users will do more than just inhale the information offered them. I'm sure the plan is to take advantage of thier ignorance, but then again, everything in our consumer society is set that way. If even a few of these AOL computers puts a spark in some person that wouldn't have otherwise had the opportunity, I say it's worth it.
The comptuers specs are hardly great, but I don't think that's part of the discussion I'm trying to start here. I'd liike us to discuss the pyscological and social effects a lack of access to information can have on social groups, and the effects of internet access to consumers. I believe that even if the information is tainted by AOL's touch it's the access to the internet that makes it worth it.
(and I apologize for the lack of polish on my thoughts here, I had 10 minutes to get this up....)
Discuss.