Microsoft has applied for a patent on metered , pay - as - you - go computing . CNET , CNET.com and the CNET logo are registered trademarks of CBS Interactive Inc. Used by permission . Under its plan , a standard PC would be given away or heavily subsidized . Users would then pay regular fees to use the PC . Charges would be based on times of wait time and PC performance characteristics .
Microsoft has applied for a patent on metered , pay - as - you - go computing . Under its plan , a standard PC would be given away or heavily subsidized . Users would then pay regular fees to use the PC . Charges would be based on times of wait time and PC performance characteristics .