RadioShack to Sell $299 AMD PC

RadioShack said on Friday it plans to sell AMD's low-cost Internet terminal in its stores next week. The $299 USD device, dubbed the Personal Internet Communicator, was launched last year in an effort to bring Web access to low-income families in developing countries.

The unit is part of an initiative by AMD to put computers in the hands of half the world's population by the middle of the next decade.

Running on Microsoft Windows CE, the budget system includes versions of Internet Explorer, Flash, MSN Messenger, an e-mail client, a PowerPoint viewer, and word processing and spreadsheet applications. The device also has the ability to zip and unzip compressed files.

The initiative has gained support from several technology companies, including Microsoft, Samsung and Seagate.

"The PIC is a new kind of product with the potential to open up exciting growth markets in new geographies -- we look forward to seeing how this technology can enhance communication, education and economic growth, but most importantly, how it can transform lives," Brian Dexheimer, executive vice president of Global Sales and Marketing at Seagate, said at the PIC's launch last year.

RadioShack said it sees demand in the United States, even though similar devices have failed in the past. American consumers so far have not seen a use for a device that could only access the Internet and nothing else, especially at a hefty $200-300 USD price tag.

The PIC on the other hand would be different - it would be able to double as a basic computer as well.

The device will include a 366MHz AMD Geode GX processor, 4 USB ports, a 10GB hard drive, stereo and microphone jacks, and a VGA port. Also included is a keyboard and mouse, although a monitor will be sold separately.

Telecommunications companies are already selling the PIC across Latin America and India, where they are leased to low income subscribers. Distribution is expected to increase to more countries across the Middle East and Asia this year.