Cheap and cheerful?
The Government is launching a pilot scheme to offer cheap computers to some of the 9.2m British adults who are currently going without internet access.
It is hoped the scheme, which offers a basic computer bundle for less than £100, will help bridge the digital divide.
According to The FT, Martha Lane Fox, the UK's digital tsar said the pilot scheme will makes use of refurbished computers from Remploy and around 8,000 machines are expected to be sold this year.
While predicted sales will only go a small way to addressing the digital divide, Lane Fox reportedly hopes it can be extended. The £98 package, which is said to include a refurbished machine running Linux, an LCD monitor, mouse and keyboard plus a warranty and phone support, will apparently be sold via 60 online centres and Remploy.
Lane Fox reportedly told The FT: "Motivation and inspiration are still two of the biggest barriers [to using the internet], but clearly perception of price is another big deal for people. A good price point is certainly part of what helps people get online.
"We have an opportunity here in the UK to make sure we are achieving internet skills and usage as high as TV usage. We should be using our old computers and refurbishing them to close the gap in this country."
Lane Fox is also the leader of digital inclusion initiative, Race Online 2012, and this scheme forms part of that initiative.