Triple topics from China:
(1) The ever-changing desktop
Desktop PCs are becoming increasingly diversified in terms of form factor and design. Qi Wang visited Taiwan's Computex recently and found an unusual number of Windows-based mini-desktops and media PCs that resemble everything but a conventional desktop.
- Will consumers be interested in these odd-looking devices? What price points may be attractive?
- Do desktops have a chance to survive in the consumer market against the onslaught of notebooks?
- Will emerging markets such as China be the early adopters of these neo PCs?
(2) Hub for change - Internet cafés in China
Did we underestimate the proliferation and the powerfulness of Internet cafés in China? Qi's recent personal trip took him to some rather distant parts of China. And... it was easier for him to find a nearby Internet café than a phone booth. The users are predominantly male between the age of 20 and 35, and on-line gaming isn't the only thing that attracts them there. What Qi saw was increasing powerfulness of the Internet caf? as a hub to promote locally produced content and applications.
(3) Chinese SMEs and technology
Business people from small and medium-sized enterprises in China have different needs and uses for technology than their peers in India or the U.S. I just finished a day of conversations with some such folks, and would love to share their insights.
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