Race Online 2012, the scheme that is attempting to “make the UK the first nation in the world where everyone can use the web”, has received a major boost from the government, who plan to offer low cost, refurbished PCs from as low as £98 and subsidised Internet connections from as little as £9 per month.

With the proposed target date of 2012 looming and over 9 million adults in the UK still not connected to the Internet – nearly half of whom have been classed as economically disadvantaged – the government has decided to roll out the scheme over the course of 12 months.

The £98 will provide you with a basic PC with open-source software, a flat-screen monitor, a mouse and keyboard, a full warranty, free delivery and access to a helpline. Specs haven’t been mentioned yet, but it’s highly unlikely you’ll be playing the latest 3D games on it, you can expect enough in the engine room for most of your web surfing requirements.

The PCs will be available from Remploy and UK Online; Remploy expect to sell over 8,000 computers in the next year – hardly a dent in the 9.2 million without an Internet connection, but a worthwhile effort, for sure.

Find out more about Race Online 2012 at their website…….

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