Microsoft has developed technology for people to pay by the hour to use a computer in their own homes, similar to the way many people use pre-paid cards for cellphones.
The technology, called FlexGo, will be used as part of efforts to sell computers to lower-income consumers in developing countries, where Microsoft is eager to find new money-making opportunities but is battling software piracy and other barriers.
The programme will generally work like this: a user will pay for about half the cost of the computer upfront, and then will purchase pre-paid cards to get hourly access to the computer at home. If the pre-paid card runs out and the user does not buy more hours, the computer stops working until the user buys another card. The users will need at least occasional dial-up internet access to participate in the programme. Microsoft also will work with telecommunication companies in several countries to offer computers via subscription.
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Rent-a-center for computers. lol.
There's a lot of no-charge companies that offer free dial-up service. No-charge service, along with pre-paid computers might work well for some families.
I hope some non-profits work with this program, too. May be pre-paid cards can be made available for free to some families if a smart non-profit sets up a fund.
The Sky is Falling, Recreate it for a Better Day
no way
Okay so you rent it? pay half of it, and than rent it? I guess, if you have enough to pay for half, why not get together with a neighbor and pay together? makes more sense than paying half and than renting it
Haha yeah, this doesnt sound very logical to me.