Sixty-five dollars for a wired mouse. Let that sink in. The Glorious Model I 2. It looks slick, sure. Honeycomb pattern, RGB lighting… you know all the fancy marketing hoopla to get you excited. We're talking about real money here. Cash that can represent something completely different based on where you live in the world.

Gaming Mouse Or Lifeline, Which One?

I’ve been on a bit of a data roll. This is about more than just bytes of data that zoom through a cool new computer input. It connects, it educates, it liberates, it opens doors! In much of Africa, dependable internet connectivity isn’t a default, it’s a premium. A significant luxury.

Think about it. To make payments in cash, $65 USD must be converted into approximately 1200 South African Rand. That’s easily a month’s worth of data for most gamers in South Africa, Nigeria, or Kenya. It could mean months without being able to reconnect with friends, access needed online learning tools, or find a job to support their family. Is getting a marginally improved K/D ratio in Counter-Strike 2 really worth giving up that?

The Glorious Model I 2 is perfect with customizable buttons, a featherlight design, and more. That’s nothing new, and doesn’t really transform the overall gaming experience. There is plenty of cheaper competition, though, such as the Asus TUF Gaming M4 Air or the Cooler Master MM311 that provide similar performance at a lower price point.

We're talking about choices. Hard choices. The type that hits you right between the eyes. I'm not saying don't buy the mouse. I'm saying think about the opportunity cost. What better things could those hundreds of billions of dollars be spent on?

The Price Of Pixels Versus Progress?

Unfortunately, it’s easy to get sucked into the consumerism black hole. The non-stop fire hose of new technology, offering miniscule gains at astronomical costs. We’re led to believe that we need the most newfangled stuff in order to remain competitive. Who benefits? Absolutely not the gamer in Lagos who can barely afford to buy enough data to join online tournaments.

The problem isn’t really the cost of the mouse itself. It's a symptom of a larger problem: the digital divide. Access to technology should not be a privilege, but rather a basic right.

Or to hear from the many nimble entrepreneurs I’ve met in Nairobi who operate mini-cyber cafes, providing low-cost gaming access to their neighborhoods. They can’t afford to keep up with current hardware, using older, sometimes second-generation equipment. They commit themselves to the pursuit of hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship as they work to craft an experience that brings everyone together. Everyday, they fight an ongoing war with brutal economic realities.

Imagine the impact if, instead of buying that slightly-better mouse, we invested in initiatives that provide affordable internet access and technology to underserved communities. Take a few minutes to imagine the innovation that it could unlock, the potential it could unleash.

Beyond Consumerism: A Call For Change

This isn't just about a mouse. It's about a mindset. It’s about understanding our privilege and working from that privilege to make the world more just and equitable. It’s about challenging the stories that urge us to consume, more and more, ignoring the bigger picture.

The Glorious Model I 2 is a good mouse. But it’s not worth sacrificing a month’s worth of opportunity, connection, and progress. It’s time to get back to building people, not pursuing pixels. Join us in creating a more inclusive world where all people are active participants in the digital revolution. Nobody should be prevented from entering because of their financial situation! That's a game worth playing.

  • Support Initiatives: Donate to organizations working to bridge the digital divide in Africa and other underserved regions.
  • Spread Awareness: Share this article and start conversations about the socioeconomic impact of consumerism.
  • Demand Ethical Practices: Support companies that prioritize fair labor practices and sustainable manufacturing.
  • Invest Locally: Look for opportunities to support local innovation and entrepreneurship in the gaming hardware space in Africa.
  • Think Before You Buy: Really ask yourself if that new gadget is truly necessary, or if there are more meaningful ways to spend your money.

The Glorious Model I 2 might be a decent mouse. But it's not worth sacrificing a month's worth of opportunity, connection, and progress. Let's shift our focus from chasing pixels to investing in people. Let's create a world where everyone has the chance to participate in the digital age, regardless of their economic circumstances. That's a game worth playing.