Lenovo is planning to launch a very basic desktop computer aimed at the “poor” rural market in China.  No specs or details regarding processor of choice or internal hardware were available but it will include a keyboard (and possibly a mouse).

The computer is said to use any standard TV as a monitor since the idea is to keep the cost down.  The company downplayed rumors that this move was in response to Dell which is making inroads in the Chinese market as well.

Whatever the case, it is very interested is selling computers to the rural market, according to company spokesman, Jay Chen.

The new model will go on sale later this year with a price between $199 to $399 and for $399, I think it could at least be bundled with a 17″ LCD monitor.

Chen went on to say, “It’s a natural evolution. We are not responding to our competitors, after three years of market development in low-tier markets we have gained experience and understanding.”

The company’s target, in this case are the some 800 million people who live in China’s countryside where salaries average about $560 per year.  To that end, it is in the process of setting up a rural sales network of 5,000 dealers to reach the farmers and others in the area.

Though it seems a bit much to ask $200 or $400 for a computer when salaries are only in the area of $600 per year.  I guess the company knows what it is doing, otherwise, it wouldn’t be doing it.

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Entry was posted on Friday, August 3rd, 2007 at 8:10 am under Uncategorized.

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