Cubans can buy PCs -- but for most, progress does not compute

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2008

HAVANA (AFP) — Cubans have begun exercising their new right to buy personal computers, although the government has not freed up access to the Internet for the communist-ruled country's would-be consumers.

X-Ray technician Mercedes Amen on Friday was literally jumping for joy when she shelled out almost 800 dollars for the Chinese QTECH PC, the only model in state-run shops, at Havana's bustling Carlos III shopping center.

"I am just over the moon, this is something I have always wanted," she said, after snapping up the processor, monitor, keyboard and mouse.

"I was really dying for the new rules to take effect, because I had a few pesos saved up," she said, stressing that the machine would help her professionally.

A few pesos, indeed: Cubans make an...