John, Turb, Dan (whom I do not really know): just returned from Europe. The day we are to FLY from Paris to Nice, the air-traffic controllers decide to strike. (groan). So we three (all adorable American women, we!) took the train. As we had more luggage than you want to know about, we were 'adopted' by a amateur soccer team from Nice, caught in the same travel problems.
One of the players had the cell-phone data system. So, we had a lengthy discussion - it is a 10 hour trip - and I can answer your question!
It is the same reason China will has so many cell phones - they will never bother to wire for phone service; in Europe, the Everyman does not have the money or interest for the typical pc you find in nearly every American home. BUT!! He can afford the little hand-held gizmo, and it is very, very cool to have one. Actually, you are as out of touch with 'today' if you do not, as you are here if you are not computer literate.
And there is another point. You do not have to be computer-wise to operate these things. You don't use them to type resumes and letters to best friends - or to send too many semi-funny jokes. Just for internet news, games, info. For them, it is all they want.
I think most of the world will forgo the pc world you and I live in; its like TV - you can receive and never send!! |
