The Next Billion – count Apple Out

Posted by Bill Belew on June 13th, 2006 in Asia News | No Comments

The next billion is the potential PC market in the developing world. We know they won’t be
buying MACS because Apple’s Steve Job’s has admitted it won’t be worth it to his company
 
A lot of different companies are trying to come up with affordable PCs that businesses, families,
schools and students in developing countries can buy.

But, everyone is having a hard time pinning down just what it is they will want.

1.  What traditional features do they keep and which are kept out?

2.  Will users be offended if they feel they are getting a dumbed-down version?

3.  Would they rather share a community PC?

4.  Would they like to buy a PC they can plug into a community server?

5.  Do they want brand PCs or does it matter that it is a no-name but does the job?

6.  How much can they pay? $400, $250, $140, $70?

7.  Will it be dust proof? Mansoon proof? burglar proof?

8.  Do they need high-speed?

9.  Would they rather have a quality PC that costs more even it stretches their budget?

10. Who will teach them how to use it?

Lots of questions…

Are there solutions?

What do you think?


 

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  1. julie taylor says

    June 19, 2006

    Most of the computer owners out there have PC’s while a very small percentage, like 10%, own Mac’s. There are less programs for Mac’s and the web is mostly formatted for PC’s. People outside of the US are more likely to have NO idea what a Mac is. Also most universities all over the world have computer classes available to the public.

    I forgot what company it was, it was mentioned on MSNBC, but it sends PC computer teachers to middle eastern countries and teaches single mothers (previously unavailable to work by the talaiban rule) how to use computers and become business people.

    So yeah, PC’s are a good thing, they’re cheap and more involved with the world. Mac’s are great computers but their marketing sucks(not commercial) and they’re way too expensive for developing countries.

    Reply
  2. panasianbiz says

    June 17, 2006

    You are right. I didn’t know that. Thanks for sharing the info and the education.

    Jobs is always in the news in this area…I live just 5 minutes from Cupertino…but I still hadn’t heard that.

    I guess I need to get out more often.

    Thanks for dropping by and for the comment.

    Reply
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