Want a FREE PC? If you're over 50 and living in London

Lugh_Chronain

If you are over 50 and living in London then you are eligible to recieve a free computer as part of the 'Computers For Older People Project'. The London Mayor Ken Livingstone and not for profit computer recycling company Maxitech have joined forces with Age Concern London in an initiative that aims to open up the online world to London’s older citizens. If you are an older person living in London and would like to recieve a computer as part of the project contact us on: 020 7820 6770 to register.

Lugh_Chronain

Here is an outline of the specification of the PC’s given as part of the 'Computers For Older People Project'‏ which was sent to me by the person I contacted recently. I was hoping by contacting them it would help those who might be interested in the project. This is only a ‘typical specification’ as the spec’s differ from machine to machine because they are recycled computers.

The person who emailed me has asked Maxitech to confirm whether the machines have graphics cards as this isn’t mentioned on the specification list.

The typical specification is as follows :

• Windows 2000 or XP
• Open Office or Microsoft office
• 15-21” CRT Monitors
• Pentium 3 500Mhz – 1Ghz
• 128-256 MB Ram
• 10-30GB Hard drive
• CD-Rom
• Network card

No Laptops or flat screens are available

Lugh_Chronain

I got a reply from Age Concern London today and if anyone is interested these computers do have graphic’s cards.

System

Got in contact today and was told that supply was limited and priority given to those without a PC, disabled, on benefits, etc. etc. etc. Also that if I had a local Age Concern centre or library I could use their computer & that I would be signed onto on local training course.

Was directed to Maxitech and found this:
http://www.maxitech.biz/computersforolderpeople/

All a bit odd, seeing as I've only seen this advertised on the internet .... surely their intended audience (no PC, no idea how to use a computer etc.) would have no idea that this Project exists?

cyberactivist

Very ungrateful really moaning at the specs not being PC World superfast or having to be on benefits or disadvantaged in some way to receive one. I thought the scheme was to help penshioners who didn't have the resources to nip down the shops and buy a top drawer spec PC so they can do their online shopping from Fortnum & Masons... tsk tsk... silly me for thinking it was in some way charitable or benevolent.

carolinosourus

Who's moaning at the spec?

System

I'm not moaning! It's just that the way the op is worded it sounds as though it available to everyone over 50 and living in London.

This offer has been listed on loads of other "freebie" websites. Now I'm sure Age Concern are going to be swamped with calls from people expecting a PC.

I'm only moaning at the fact that they should not advertise this on the internet, and especially not on freebie sites ... and instead should advertise in the Post Office, a circular or at Age Concern Centres so that people who will benefit from this will actually know it exists.

Fact of the matter is that most people living in London already have access to a PC - whether it be for their children, work, or at their local library ...

this scheme appears to be running on a donate-collect service so is nothing more than Freecycle, except with Ken Livingstone taking all the credit.

carolinosourus

I agree that posting information about it on a website probably wasn't the best way they could have gone about this... If you don't know how to use the internet then a web address prob isn't going to help much!

The 'moaning' comment was directed at cyberactivist as I was wondering if he'd seen something I hadn't!?

System

I think he's referring to another freebie site, where this offer was first listed, - they were complaining about the specs & how it is a waste of taxpayers money (don't think they realise it's run on donations).

carolinosourus

ok gotcha now! Thanks