Argentines buy computers at a fast pace.

Argentina's "My PC" program, which encourages Argentine consumers to buy computers, is taking effect. Argentines bought 60 percent more computers in the first half of 2005 than they did in the comparable period in 2004.

The striking increase in computer sales was reported in a posting on the MercoPress Website. MercoPress cited the original source for the information as The Daily Clarin (Buenos Aires). MercoPress is based in Montevideo.

First half 2005 sales of computers totalled 508,560 units compared with 317,545 computers sold in the first half of 2004.

The "MyPC" program is a government sponsored initiative begun on March 31, 2005 to help bridge the country's "digital divide". The program's success is attributed to the fact that consumers can pay off the price of the computer over 40 months.

In spite of the program's success, it is not without its critics. There was some dissatisfaction expressed because the program features Microsoft's Windows operating system, and Intel hardware over competing brands.