Computer makers to hit rural trail

Chinese computer makers are increasingly going rural to market their products to cash in on the recent government moves to subsidize appliance purchases.

According to a recent survey conducted by IT newspaper Popular Computer Week, Chinese farmers desire to own computers far outstrips the demand for appliances like TV sets and digital cameras.

Nearly 30 percent of the 4,160 farmers surveyed from six provinces expressed their keenness to possess a computer. Over 47 percent of the respondents from Shandong said they would prefer a computer that would assist them in their farming activities.