The world awaits at the click of a button, but it's gonna cost you.

And though technology is relatively cheaper than in previous decades, the cost of access (read: phone, modem, Internet and machine) is still a sizeable chunk of the average Jamaican's salary.

"My phone bill comes to like $7,000," declares 25-year-old accountant Tameisha Powell, who owns and operates a web-enabled BlackBerry. "That's a lot, for me because I make a little under $50,000."

Powell, though she believes it's "a lot", she maintains that having a high-tech phone with features like the Internet access saves her from having to constantly sit in front of a computer screen.

Twenty-year-old web developer Dwayne Fagan is not much different. The five per cent of his salary that goes into maintaining his technology-driven lifestyle, he says, is well worth it.

He, like Powell, carries a web/GPRS/WiFi-enabled cellphone - Nokia N82 - that is configured for the Cable & Wireless $1,500 unlimited data plan.

"Along with that Internet costs $2,000 and I access that from my $80,000 laptop," Fagan adds, noting too that, his expenses are all a part of staying current.

"It's worth it because I'm always connected. I'm always on MSN, Google Talk," Fagan says, "I'm always updated on what's going on around me."

Jodi-Ann Miller, 23-year-old immigration officer is not as concerned about staying in constant interaction with the Internet via an ultra high-end phone. She's more the late night surfer-type.

Miller, who interprets the cost of access as not only Internet but also cable, tells Thursday Tech that her online activity is limited to checking her email inbox and perusing facebook.

"Though my actual Internet bill is roughly $1,500; I haven't yet mentioned that computers need electricity to operate. and so does my cable box from Flow," she says laughing.
"I think it's reasonable because for me the Internet is entertaining," Millers notes.

But access via a perfectly functioning machine is just but one aspect of 'cost', there's the whole problem of maintaining a computer.

"It depends on what you want to repair," says computer programmer Maurice Wilson, "it could range from a couple thousands to big bucks."

His point becomes stronger when Thursday Tech checks with some local computer chains to find that a hard drive goes for $10,000; while a PC $57,000. But inspite of the high costs technology seems to be an elastic good. Just ask Fagan, who says: "As long as I can afford it, I'd have all the things that make my life easier. even if it costs more than what I pay now."

Caribana — music, revelry and wild abandon

Bounty Killer and patriotism

Despite glitches, Stars 'R' Us delivers