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Category: Technology / Topics: Computers (and other Digital devices) Financial Science & Technology

Simplified Technology

by Dan Seagren

Posted: July 8, 2007

$100 computers…and other thoughts on technoloy…

I read an article recently about the quest for a $100.00 computer. Apparently the researchers (worldwide) have it down to about $150.00 so it may be within reach. The goal: children (and perhaps others) in the Third World. Computers for children in tribal zones without electricity? Of course. One of the ways to run the computer would be a pull cord, similar to starting an outboard motor. The more you pull, the longer it works. No batteries, no solar panel, no 110 or 220 needed.

Now, this sounds like science fiction, doesn’t it? Kids and computers in remote corners of the world. If it works, I think I might be in line for one. No, I’m not a kid, not after nearly eight decades of penmanship, manual typewriters, clumsy, heavy, awkward computers and now laptops and palm devices with unbelievable capacities eventually becoming obsolete as well .

In the same magazine which discussed the $100.00 computer, another writer talked about his own computer inabilities. He illustrated his ineptitude by saying that when he wanted to move an object from point A to point B he had to enlist the help of his six-year old. This same person no doubt used his computer effectively for his everyday use but for more technical skills, he was gauche (like that word?). It means left-handed (literally for a right-handed person) or to turn aside or walk clumsily) and pronounced gosh, not go’ shey.

Recently, my wife and I visited our daughter and family with the intent of staying with our grandchildren while they were away. Yes, we had an incredible week with two lively, creative seven and ten-year olds. I watched TV for about 30 minutes during the entire ten days. It is hooked up to other non-intuitive gizmos with an assortment of remotes that live up to their reputation: remote. They’re hard to locate when you need them, and tough to use when you do find them.

Personally, I never did get the hang of it. Even after my granddaughter drew a diagram for me. Push DVD, then Power, then Cable, then Power . . . If that doesn’t work hit the previous channel button. Simple? Yeah. Really simple. Another senior moment. I followed the instructions, even memorized them, and for my efforts got either a blank screen or a noisy snow storm.

Then came the time to check my email using the kids’ Apple Computer. A beauty but I’m a PC guy which I can run pretty well in going on line, paying bills, Googling and checking email. All I had to do was type in my address, my user name and password (all written on a calling card in my wallet) and bingo, here comes my email, spam and all.

She showed me how to use their computer. Wow. She literally dazzled me with her mouse, zipping back and forth, zing, bing, bang until I breathed, Pleezee, slow ‘er down a notch, little girl. Finally I got the hang of it. I typed in the correct magic words but it wouldn’t do anything. Finally, I realized I had to hit an Apple button for web based email. The emails poured in (4-5 days accumulation) and I had to sort the wanted from the unwanted (which is done automatically on my machine).

Now I have a better idea why these techies are so determined to get the $100.00 computer into the hands of wee ones. These entrepreneurs aren’t aiming at seniors, they are aiming at little ones who are so intuitive. Whether it will work for good or ill is a big question. I was rudely reminded of the time when I tried to help a fellow senior learn to use a mouse. I still wonder if she ever did master it. Maybe we need a $99 computer for seniors. They oughta be less complicated.



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Dan Seagren is an active retiree whose writings reflect his life as a Pastor, author of several books, and service as a Chaplain in a Covenant Retirement Community.

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Posted: July 8, 2007   Accessed 134 times

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