Basic laptop or most complicated cellphone

While the simplification of the multi-function cellphone to a simple basic product/service like Jitterbug cater for a niche market (eg seniors, emergency calling), the $100 laptop is yet another simplified product for a niche market and for a great cause too.

Let's step back and ponder. Not only the $100 laptop(see picture on what makes the $100 laptop, courtesy from BBC) can make a change in the developing world, it may also trigger big changes in the wider hi-tech industry.

Widespread wireless networks and lifestyle changes make us dependent on our mobile gadgets - we want to get to our stuff anywhere and anytime! This has encroached into the cellphone market - thus the rise of smartphones which are starting to eat into the potential laptop sales. Suddenly, I see the cellphone as "the smallest laptop" and I see the $100 laptop as "an extended cellphone". :O

Convergence or divergence? Vertical segments in portable devices are bound to stay.