Computer prices have
been falling for many years, first allowing for under $1000 computers,
then under $500. But the future will bring a whole different price
level of personal computer: the free computer. The idea is that the
computer is free in exchange for the user viewing advertisements.
These computers include monitors, internet access and a fast processor.
All in exchange for the user viewing ads.
Today this idea is being tested, but in the future,
this could become common place. The majority opinion is that the
idea isn't economically viable, but some still believe that it could work.
At the least, it could lower computer prices. Users would have the
choice of a computer with ads or not. Even the poorest families would
be able to have a computer.
Companies such as Free-PC believe that the day of
a the costless computer is soon approaching. There are problems with
the concept however. To recieve a free computer, a person must submit
personal information so that the ads may be specially tailored to them.
Additionally the company will keep track of the sites the user visits on
the internet. This lack of privacy is not enough to discourage many
people however. Within the first five days of Free-PCs announcement
of giving away 10,000 computers, over half of a million people have submitted
applications
This is about the future however. The companies of
today may fail, but the free computer may emerge later. For now,
most of us will just have to dream of the day when our new computer arrives
without us having paid a cent.
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