Congress wants an e-book reader for low-income kids
This article from Ars Technica explains that Edward Markey of Massachusetts has introduced a bill that would subsidize e-book readers for low-income students.
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Holy iPad, Batman! If this bill passes, are we going to be seeing rural and inner-city students perusing what HarperCollins is offering this week at the iTunes Store? Or will the Kindle 2 be the device of choice? And don't forget the Sony Reader, with its cool real book look cred. How will these youngsters make their move?
Of course, there's a distinct possibility that their school will make it for them. E-Rate (or "Schools and Libraries" as it's formally called) publishes a lengthy eligible services list of generic devices for which it will reimburse K-12s. They, in turn, buy the equipment through contractors chosen on a competitive basis. So the chances are that bulk purchasing will be the rule. Nobody's going to be handed a coupon and pointed to the nearest Apple Store or Best Buy (sorry kids).
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Economically speaking, subsidies only serve to drive prices higher so I can't say I support this bill. Interesting news, though. I wouldn't have thought that e-book readers or the e-book market was mature enough for people to start claiming students NEED these devices.