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Microsoft Proposing Cellphone As Computer For Underprivileged

Jan 31, 2006, 3:54 PM by (staff)

Microsoft this week proposed getting people in developing countries online using mobile phones. The software giant showed off a smartphone that connects to a keyboard and television screen for input and output, while providing the typical software and wireless access. Cell phones have become popular in developing nations and developers there have been using SMS and other basic services to provide internet experience to subscribers. Both the GSM Association and CDMA Development Group have been working with manufacturers to develop and market low cost handsets for citizens. However the models currently under development appear to be very basic phones, many without WAP browsers or color screens.

New York Times »

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Comments

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This forum is closed.

nosoupforyou

Jan 31, 2006, 8:04 PM

Silly William, laptops are for the underprivileged

I have doubts that a smart phone would have the durability to withstand the same amount of bashing that a laptop could take. Cell phone networks are the ideal means of delivering internet access, but it would be much easier and practical to throw cell capabilities into a durable, full-sized laptop.

muchdrama

nosoupforyou said:
I have doubts that a smart phone would have the durability to withstand the same amount of bashing that a laptop could take. Cell phone networks are the ideal means of delivering internet access, but it would be

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(continues)

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evilbstrd666

Jan 31, 2006, 4:09 PM

One problem

Couldn't any company other than Microsoft propose this? I mean, they are poor, but that doesn't mean their computers have to crash.

On a more serious note, using SMS for internet access? Sheesh! Three years ago having a web browser was an extra.... it shouldn't be that hard/expensive by now.

maokh

WAP had an option to function over SMS. Yes, its nasty, resource intenstive, but it works for very small pieces of text. A typical WAP page would consume about 10-15 messages or so.

muchdrama

evilbstrd666 said:
Couldn't any company other than Microsoft propose this? I mean, they are poor, but that doesn't mean their computers have to crash.

On a more serious note, using SMS for internet access? Sheesh! Three years

...
(continues)

INSURANCERIPOFF

Feb 1, 2006, 8:35 AM

Good idea, but too unrealistic.

It is a good idea to use this technology on developing countries; however the main concern is not the price of the Phone itself, but the price of having a cellular provider. The plans and prices in developing countries are not as accessible as those we have in the U.S. There are some countries where you can get 60 minutes a month for $58. 😳 How do you expect some one to add internet acces as an extra, and use all of the minutes on an already overpriced plan on a month by month basis? 😢

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