Supporters say open source software is more secure, cheaper to buy and maintain and easier to customize.

Initially, flour shortages pushed up the price on the open market in Pakistan to as much as 60 rupees (about $1) per kilogram in some areas. The average day labourer earns only 100 rupees a day.

The G1's relatively low cost and open system offers an exciting new Unix-based platform for any number of hobby and professional uses.