Message-ID: <619B6E5F72@ver.lld.com> Date: Thu, 4 Jan 1996 09:43:32 EST From: CTIGHE <mailto:CTIGHE@VER.LLD.COM> Subject: Re: Computers for Africa To: Multiple recipients of list DEVEL-L <mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU>
I must add my 5 cents worth to this argument about sendind TRS-80 computers to Africa. For what it is worth, here is my humble opinion:1. TRS-80s are rugged enough to be sent to Africa and to be used in remote locations. However, I would disgree with their usage due to their datedness. A better preference would be Bondwell (a British company) laptops (286/386). These laptops are extremely inexpensive and are rugged enough for journalist use. Bell Atlantic uses them for thie field technicians. If they are rugged enough for phone companies, they are good enough for the outback.
2. I would prefer not to patronize African countries and journalists by sending them things that even they know are outdated and useless. Professionals in AFrica are by no means uneducated or stupid. They realize the technology and know the systems that can be used. We as responsible developers need to share our knowledge and help to improve, not to hold back the development of a certian country. How many times before have we sent outdated, out of production, and out of service materials and equipment to underdevelopment countries in the name of development? We need to take responsibility!!!!!
3. Solution: A consortium of developers to set up a non-for-profit foundation to solicit computers and parts from Info Tech firms to be donated to countries in Africa and other countries......Companies benefit from the tax write-off, we benefit from being responsible, and countries benefit from the up-to-date-technology.
Chris Tighe mailto:Ctighe@ver.lld.com mailto:Ctighe@capaccess.org