However , this pattern seemed to be inevitable , given the then - high prices of computers ( over $1,500 apiece for a typical laptop or small desktop by 2004 ) .
Negroponte likened shared computers to shared pencils .
This pattern seemed to be inevitable , given the then - high prices of computers ( over $1,500 apiece for a typical laptop or small desktop by 2004 ) .
Negroponte likened shared computers to shared pencils .