There have been many attempts at bridging the digital divide – from free broadband to community computer programmes and recycled laptops.
One ambitious approach to tackling this problem was One Laptop per Child – Nicholas Negroponte's plan to put a US$100 laptop into the hands of some of the most disadvantaged people on the planet. So far there are three million of these machines in homes and schools around the world.
New Zealander Barry Vercoe was involved in the One Laptop Per Child project and he's now trying to put a low-cost modular laptop called INFINITY into classrooms closer to home. The beauty of the Infinity is that it can be taken apart and upgraded cheaply and easily at home – even by a child. No more costly upgrades; music to many parents' ears!