Internet access is for people who can afford computers, anyway.

In third-world countries, many people cannot afford personal computers or live in areas with limited Internet access.

Few rural residents can afford computers or the fees charged by their local Internet bars, the equivalent of $2.50 to $4 an hour.

Many school systems, for example, cannot afford computers and other technologies that make hands-on lessons possible.

This new form of communication is not available to the large swaths of patients who cannot afford computers.

"Here's a device that opens up new possibilities for people who can't afford computers but have the skills as tinkerers," he said.

In other words, those who can afford computers.

Even when school districts can afford computers and modems, they have the added challenge of training teachers to use them.

"Customers do not like being isolated from the mainstream simply because they can't afford more expensive computers."

As it happens, this week there is a simple answer to his question: the ones left behind could finally afford computers.