Alex reaches out to computer novices everywhere

07/03/2010

We recently reported on the range of SimplicITy PCs, designed from the ground up to encourage silver surfers (and computer novices) everywhere, to get into the world of computing.

Next to the foray is Alex, from the Broadband Computer Company, which takes a new approach to demystifying the PC for all and sundry.

Like SimplicITy, it ditches the mainstream Windows operating system in favour of a Linux based platform instead, but goes even further by introducing a subscription-based business model for on-going support.

That aside, Alex is a laptop system and despite its evidently humble foundations, the unique selling point is that in addition to 24/7 customer support, Alex is looked after and maintained, in entirety, from behind the scenes – or in tech speak – remotely. This does translate into a requirement for broadband Internet access which can be user provided, or as part of the Alex package.

In the usability stakes, Alex does away with the need to buy separate programs and provides its own suite of applications, from web and e-mail, to image editing and office software to get the task at hand done.

Alex also takes security seriously and the company touts the personalisation and security that the system offers. Using the form of a USB key and password, the system is designed to support multiple keys (and thereby, users) allowing personalised access to each respective individual. In addition, a vault for precious documents or photographs also incorporates encryption, married up with more traditional back-up methods.

Coming in at just under £400 for the actual system, Alex is equipped with a minimum 12 month subscription service ranging from £9.99 per month (after an initial three month upfront payment) not including broadband access, to £24.99 per month (after an initial three month upfront payment), which includes broadband access.

Despite the similarities in their target user groups, the different direction adopted by each respective company is an endearing aspect. With Alex’s more hands-on approach going up against SimplicITy’s own contender, it will be interesting to see whether users will value Alex’s additional features enough to justify the monthly subscription fee.

With SimplicITy also stating its intent to deliver a laptop offering, this up-and-coming field looks set to get somewhat more interesting.