In May Dutch company Secure Internet Machines (SIM) will introduce the simPC. Made to ease old people’s fear of computers, it comes preloaded with software and services, such as online banking.

The basic model costs €299, but users will have to pay €10 a month for services such as spam filters, virus scanners and online storage. They also need a DSL line and to “prevent problems”, users won’t be able to install software, download big files, burn CDs or DVDs or edit videos.

The PC is guaranteed be idiot-proof.

Initially, the PC will be available in the Netherlands and Belgium only. Yes!!! my mother is neither old nor idiot, but she’s definitely afraid of the computer and she lives in Belgium.

Via The Register.

See also Aparna Rao’s fabulous 22 POP project, the vintage typewriter that sends email.