The Simplicity Myth: Can Cheap, Basic Computers Actually Bring Computing to the Masses?

The notion that inexpensive, stripped-down computers could make computing accessible to the general public has been floated by competitors of Microsoft, touting the potential of "internet appliances" that sacrifice features for affordability and ease of use. Industry reports indicate that such devices are in development, but a recent example, the Brother International Corporation's PN-8500MDS Super Powernote, shows that true simplicity at an affordable price may be an illusion. This $300 laptop has limited capabilities and is far from intuitive, making it a reminder of the challenges of designing user-friendly, low-cost computers.

Key Takeaways:

• The Brother PN-8500MDS Super Powernote, a $300 laptop, is promoted as an example of a cheap, basic computer but is marred by limitations in design and functionality.
• The machine has a limited 63-kilobyte random access memory, restricting its capabilities and making it difficult to use.
• The on-screen display is not sharp, and the keyboard layout is illogical, requiring users to consult the manual for guidance.
• The software included with the Super Powernote is mostly limited to word processing, a spreadsheet, and basic communications, with no drivers for complex functions like color or proportional font support.
• The computer's I.B.M.-standard floppy drive is the only feature that adheres to a standard, but even this is restrictive, storing data only in a 1.44-megabyte format.
• The Super Powernote's inability to support standard computer programs or even execute certain basic features, like deletion keys, highlights the difficulties of designing a truly simple, affordable computer.
• The machine's manual includes detailed instructions on using obscure keyboard combinations, such as Code-Shift-K, to set a password, a design flaw that exacerbates user frustration.
• In contrast, modern computers with adequate resources place a much greater emphasis on user-friendly design and optimal performance.
• Establishing a market for internet appliances that genuinely meet the simplicity and affordability promises would require significant improvements over devices like the Super Powernote.

Statistics:

• The Brother PN-8500MDS Super Powernote costs $300, with an optional battery costing an additional $70.
• The laptop has 63 kilobytes of random access memory.
• The on-screen display is 24 lines by 80 columns, with a non-standard interface for tasks like setting a password.
• Most of the Super Powernote's software is built into read-only memory.
• The machine has a 1.44 megabyte floppy drive.
• A single document on the computer cannot be larger than 32 kilobytes.
• The manual devotes an entire page to explaining the icons and commands for centered text.

Sources:

• The article does not specify the publication date, but it refers to the Brother International Corporation's PN-8500MDS Super Powernote.
• Brother International Corporation.