Microsoft Battles Low-Cost Rival for Africa - WSJ.com

"Some of Africa's poorest countries also have discovered that they can't meet the terms of a special $3 Windows package for 'underserved' students around the world, announced last year by Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates. For governments to be eligible, they have to buy at least 10,000 computers that students get to keep -- an expensive proposition for cash-strapped countries. To date, Microsoft says only four countries have qualified -- Libya, Egypt, Russia and Mexico."