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Microsoft is looking at alternatives to ultra-low-cost laptops in the drive to arm people in developing nations with a way to communicate and access the Internet, and the company is turning its sights on cheaper devices that can give people a start in computing, such as smartphones and shared computing.

The world’s largest software maker has a few projects in the making, including a push to use mobile phones in computing and microfinance. Mobile phones have already made an impact in nations across the developing world, from India to Zimbabwe, enabling people such as farmers and fishermen to find better markets and prices. Handsets also give a person a way to be reached for jobs.

A 23-year-old Oregon man has pleaded guilty to charges that he used identity theft to set up bogus accounts on eBay, where he sold counterfeit software with a retail value of more than US$1 million, the U.S. Department of Justice said.

Jeremiah Joseph Mondello of Eugene, Oregon, pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count each of criminal copyright infringement, aggravated identity theft and mail fraud before Judge Ann Aiken in U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon. He faces up to 27 years in prison and a fine of $500,000, the DOJ said.

Customers of Hewlett-Packard and Electronic Data Systems offered a range of reactions Tuesday to HP’s US$13.9 billion bid for the massive outsourcing company.

HP will benefit from EDS’ talent pool, but the specter of layoffs — which EDS President and CEO Ronald A. Rittenmeyer indicated Tuesday would be possible as the companies integrate — raises concerns about customers’ existing deals, said Nina Buik, president of Encompass, a HP user group that says it has 50,000 members.

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