Android works on a PC

Android 1.6 running on a Netbook from a flash drive.

It automatically connected to the Internet and gave quick access to the built in Webcam. No setting up required for anything. The latest netbooks can make use of the touch screen facility.

PC Tablets

Just as the iPhone revolutionised the mobile phone market the iPad will do the same for mobile computing. Most major manufacturers are now building 'Android' touchscreen tablets and Netbooks for general computer use. Office work including 'Cloud Printing' will be done over Broadband internet. These devices will probably double as phones.

PC's in India

Intel Atom 1.6 GHz CPU
1GB RAM
DVD Writer
250GB Hard drive
22 inch Monitor

Ubuntu Preloaded

Retail Price SA16631 Desktop Rs.10000      ( NZ$ 300 )

New Android connections

Android based smartphones and other devices are now being connected at 200,000 units per day worldwide. In a few months the TV's with Android built in for internet and E-mail will start being connected, along with Tablet PC's.

XP updates probably extended to 2020

Microsoft are continuing giving XP license's with win 7 pro for businesses until 2020. This presumably means updates will be still available.
For the domestic user that already has a XP disc and license, buying a minimal PC with win 7 home and replacing it with XP could be a good choice.
XP requirements are less than 25% of win 7 and XP runs more legacy software.

Android Laptops

Following  the success of the Android phones, the computer manufacturers are now making Android Laptops. These are cheap low specification machines that rely on the internet for most of their applications. Like their phone counterparts they do not require security software.

New 'VLC' Media Player

Video Lan have released ver 1.1 of their popular Media Player. It is available for Windows, Mac and Linux.