They weren't any cheaper in the past, and this isn't an ongoing expense. Save up, $10/month for 5 months, and get a used laptop that will likely last for years

They weren't any cheaper in the past, and this isn't an ongoing expense. Save up, $10/month for 5 months, and get a used laptop that will likely last for years. If someone can't afford that, then it simply isn't a priority for them, which is fine. The bigger issue for someone in a very rural area is getting internet access. That will be a bigger issue and expense than the computer. Over time, internet is likely a bigger expense for everyone than the computers they use to access it.