Could Consoles Bridge the Digital Divide?

In a recent column, BBC Columnist Bill Thompson proposes that used X-box and other game consoles could help bridge the digital divide in third world countries. Libraries such as the Fremont Area District Library have been helping to bridge the digital divide in this country for years. Although intriguing, Bill's idea should include libraries in the mix since they can not only provide computing power and data hookups, but also training and the multiplication effect of public resources. One computer or game console could reach multiple families if used at a public library. Of course, Bill Thompson goes on to detail the difficulties of using game consoles as low cost PCs - primarily operating system related. Neat idea, though!