But critics say the people in developing countries most likely to be able to afford a computer — even an affordable one with Starter — are middle-income residents who may well use a PC at work. Such customers may be more computer-savvy and less likely to buy a product with limitations. In a report last year, Gartner researchers said that while Starter Edition showed potential, it was unlikely to have much impact until its shortcomings were addressed.
"Microsoft will make little progress in the market with this product, as indicated by key PC vendors' adoption plans," Gartner analysts Dion Wiggins and Martin Gilliland wrote in an October report. Early signs appear to bear their conclusion out.
In general, Microsoft has been working with smaller, locally based computer makers in the countries where Starter has been offered. However, Dell is among the PC manufacturers that have signed on for the effort in Mexico.
The software maker has also concentrated its push in countries, such as Thailand, where the government is looking to play a central role in expanding PC usage. Microsoft announced plans to offer Starter Edition in Russia, for example, but has placed that project on hold until the government there is ready with its low-cost PC programme.
Starter Edition grew out of a test programme Microsoft created for government-backed efforts in Thailand and Malaysia to offer budget PCs to consumers. Microsoft formally launched Starter Edition as a product in August 2004, promising to bring the OS to five countries as part of an expanded pilot project.
Among its restrictions, Starter Edition can run only three programs at a time, sets limits on a monitor's maximum screen resolution and only works with certain processors.
