Steven Hodson writes a good post that is definitely worth reading. It’s a subject I worry about from time to time - that a “digital divide” exists between those who take cutting-edge technology and easy access to the Internet for granted, and those who have to do without for economic reasons.

Many early adopters are enthralled by the latest technological advancements, but often built on the assumption the user has other, older technology. Take something like the Apple TV - in order to make full use of it, you should have a computer, a large hard drive, broadband, a WiFi connection, and disposable income and a credit card to purchase content for the device.

The other day my home broadband went out. So I took my MacBook, and walked to the local library and used their free WiFi connection - some of you would do the same. But right there is a level of luxury that isn’t available to everyone - owning a laptop with WiFi, and a location within walking distance that offers broadband up for free. Both are taken for granted here in Silicon Valley, yet this isn’t even possible for many Americans.

Some of us have enough disposable income so getting the latest tech toy isn’t a big deal. But claiming technology isn’t that expensive isn’t helpful, as anybody who’s been in dire straights can attest. Even small bills add up over time and there’s a hierarchy of needs at play. If you’re barely able to afford housing, electricity, food, gas, and medicine, where does the new iPhone fall into the equation? It doesn’t.

In this economic climate, where people are losing their homes and struggling to pay the bills in the face of more expensive gas, food, and health care - I worry more people are on the other side of the divide - or soon to fall over the edge because they live paycheck to paycheck - than we’d like to imagine.

I was unemployed for a few months after Web 1.0 imploded. Luckily, I had severance, unemployment, and my wife’s salary to fall back on until I found a new job. Still, it was stressful, and a splash of cold water on how tenuous financial security can be.

I don’t have any good answers for the digital divide, but when I bought my MacMini last year, I gave my “sunflower” iMac, which is still an okay computer for just getting on the Internet, to a family who could really use it.

Those of us who are lucky enough to be in a situation where we can pay all our bills and then some - are also in a place to offer up our unused gear to those who at the very least, would be very appreciative of the toys we cast aside once we get bored of them. Something to think about as we get ready to pony up for that new iPhone to replace the previous, “obsolete” model. I know I should do more.

Additional Reading: Last Podcast, Profy

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