alt Hacker NewsThis was over 10 years ago, and the original price was something like £35.
It was tiny, and the assumption was correct - most families had an HDMI capable TV and could afford the device and a usb keyboard.
A used PC still needs a desk and a monitor. This was far more accessible.
In 2014 I bought a used RM desktop PC for my parents for £50 from eBay, which came with the tower, keyboard, mouse and all cables. I had an old monitor laying around, but again, easy to pick up if needed. They still use it today.