[kictanet] the used computers debate

[ikua at lpakenya.org]

So we are back to this debate about used computers. seems like the  
Ministry will not relent on this.

The story in the business daily has a lot of misinformation and half  
truths coming from the Ministry. To say that the price of new  
computers has come down to affordable levels is to be economical with  
the truth. How much is a new Dell or HP computer? About 45k. The lower  
priced models like Mecer or Acer will go for about 35k and above for  
standard specs.
How about a new clone? About 25k. And the lifespan of a new clone?  
About 3 years, 4 if you are lucky. The warranty on new clones is only  
3 months. Used/refurbished computers can give the user upwards of 5  
years in good use. Between a new clone made with cheap parts from  
China and a used computer of a major brand, I would go for the used  
computer.
With 10k, you have a good low spec used computer. So as a student or a  
home user, you get easy access to technology. With 15k, you have a  
powerful used computer with specs like P4 3.0/512mb RAM/80gb HDD. So  
as a small business which needs to buy 10 computers, or a school or  
college that needs to buy 40 computers, what would you go for with a  
limited budget?

Why cant the government regulate the trade in used computers instead  
of imposing a total ban? The industry will still have jobs for IT  
technicians, whether its used computers or its assembly of clones.  
which leads m,e to the question, what happened to the eMado computer?  
How is it doing as a business proposition? How many have been sold and  
to whom? How much is it? How many components are being manufactured in  
Kenya?

We can for instance say  that we will not accept into the country a  
computer manufactured over 5 years ago, or 8 years, like motor  
vehicles. Or that we will not accept computers below a certain speed.  
Clones have much more ewaste than used computers as they die faster.  
Yet new branded computers are way beyond the reach of the common  
mwananchi. but again, this has never been about the common mwananchi,  
inasmuch as noone sees the need to find out what he thinks about such  
policy decisions.

Regards,
Ikua