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268 Comments
- chris9902, on 11/26/2007, -23/+87you're a idiot (and so are the 5 people who dugg you up)
I'm not going to use the "give a man a fish" stuff here because if you can't see the benefits of computers in a developing nation you probably wouldn't understand it away. - MeatBiProduct, on 11/26/2007, -34/+88To blame this on MS and Intel is like the kid on the playground sitting in the middle of the lot crying cause no one will throw him a ball.
If you go out on your own and want to do all this 'Open Source' and '1 Laptop Per Child' in countries that need computers and you don't want to cooperate or work with anyone - wtf do you expect to happen? Success ? More like pipe dreams. - Wacer, on 11/26/2007, -16/+63It was expected but it was one persons dream and it was damaged/destroyed by companies in the name of product recognition. Welcome to the world of business.
- boatboy, on 11/26/2007, -5/+46Article sounds like the problem isn't just "Tech Giants", but lack of support and rising costs.
- bootaw01, on 11/26/2007, -2/+33I was very disappointed by this article, b/c it presents Negroponte in such a negative light. BUT if he really is whining and complaining about Wintel, then I am very disappointed with HIM! He is a non-profit organization! Is its mission to sell laptops (and take down the Wintel oligopoly) or is it to get laptops to developing nations?!? If a non-profit org doesn't find the cure for cancer before a commercial one, are they disappointed? Hell no!! Their mission succeeded, and the world has the cure for cancer!!!
I say Negroponte's organization is a success b/c the $100 laptop is close to fruition!! Who cares if OLPC did it without selling 180m Laptops?!? - MrSteamTank, on 11/26/2007, -5/+34Not every "3rd world country" is a mess where people can't feed themselves. Speak for your own country. I come from Uruguay(the first OLPC buyer) and they are doing quite well. They 15 year military dictatorship(aided by you know who) held Uruguay back a bit but with the push towards technology that this laptop will provide to Uruguay's younger generation will help them become a bigger player in the world stage.
Once you actually have a democratic mostly non-corrupt government then education matters. - gclef, on 11/26/2007, -1/+29It's only a good thing if Intel, Microsoft, et al stay in the market. If they actually support those nations, and help the kids there learn, then this will be a good thing overall. However, if they're just doing this to shut down a competitor, only to abandon this market again once it proves "unprofitable," then what they're doing is reprehensible.
Which one you think is playing out right now depends on your perceptions of the companies involved. - jstone, on 11/26/2007, -1/+26You're right. The OLPC is designed to operate as a mesh network. If one OLPC is connected to a wireless hotspot, it can act as a repeater for other OLPCs in range.
- edebolt, on 11/26/2007, -2/+26OLPC is released. What's wrong with competition? Its not about whether its a OLPC or just an affordable PC. The bottom line is the price, quality and availability.
- Waiting2awake, on 11/26/2007, -2/+22That isn't what he is saying at all - BTW - are you saying that if this OLPC didn't exist they would have food? IMO, you can never lift someone out of poverty - but you can give them the tools to lift themself's out of it. That is what this is intended to be - a tool.
- scabbers, on 11/26/2007, -6/+25You contradicted yourself with your second 'need' in the list... education. What the f do you think the OLPC is trying to provide?
- inactive, on 11/26/2007, -5/+23...The laptops would remove the need for telephones. Need to talk to someone? Send them a message through the laptop. Internet access is important, but I always got the impression that schools and other major consumers of the product would simply need to connect one machine to the web via satellite and the operating system would take over the rest.
- dattaway, on 11/26/2007, -3/+20ad-hoc mode is supported by most wireless chips. The more computers you have, the bigger your communications network.
- MrUnderbridge, on 11/26/2007, -5/+22Not quite. To use but modify your analogy, let's imagine there's a playground with a lot of poor kids but nothing to play with. Across the street there's a store that sells playground equipment but they don't care enough to help out the poor kids on the playground. Finally, some nice kid comes up with a plan to equip the playground with some cheap but serviceable basketball goals. Only then does the place across the street decide the kids are worth helping, and comes up with a fancier but still more expensive alternative to build football fields. They then do all they can to freeze out the nice kid, caring far more that he doesn't install his basketball goals, rather than focusing on actually helping anybody.
Is this fair? No, not really. If Intel really cared about kids in developing countries, they would have been doing this before Negroponte came on the scene. They'd also be doing more to get computers into the hands of kids than simply following Negroponte wherever he goes trying to get prospective customers to cancel orders.
At the same time, yes, he's an idealist. Anyone who's been a little jaded would have seen this coming a mile away. This is why idealists are usually great at coming up with ideas, but bad at implementing them. Now that he's gotten the ball rolling, somebody else needs to get involved to fight dirty. As he himself says in the article, he's good at educating people, not selling laptops.
He needs some corporate sponsorship, and it should come from those who stand to gain from his success (if it comes), namely companies like AMD, Red Hat, SuSe, and the like. Heck, Google would also make a fantastic 'angel' for this program, if only to piss off Microsoft. They need to start up in a poor country with a stable government, and give them away for free. If they can get $20M of corporate sponsorship, they can get a million of these things on the ground. At that point, it'll either work or it won't, and it will be an example for other countries thinking of doing it. - silviumc, on 11/26/2007, -2/+18What would a kid who needs clean water do with this laptop? Look up on the internet for cheap methods of purifying water. Also, look up methods to grow stuff for food in adverse conditions. This laptop is a tool they can use to get themselves out of poverty.
Knowledge is power.
Don't be morons. - captbbq, on 11/26/2007, -3/+18Take a bow Professor Negroponte, thanks to your "one laptop", private industry got scared and made a better version than yours, and now the poor have that. You won, one way or another you helped the poor, your name is being heralded, what more do you want? What is there to complain about?
- MrSteamTank, on 11/26/2007, -1/+16The first OLPC buyer - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uruguay
People please. Be informed.
Does that look like a poverty stricken country where people can't find shelter or food? - altgeeky1, on 11/26/2007, -2/+16I'm not sure I see your point. Are you saying Microsoft and Intel stepped up and gave these people free food and shelter? And isn't that subtle racism, suggesting that these people should be taken care of like they are some sort of cattle? Besides, I'm afraid that's been tried before. I don't feel there is any single solution to poverty.
Poverty has LITTLE to do with direct income... a 'dollar or two or day' is often touted without any regard for local currency and trade. After all, $2 in Tibet will go a lot further than $2 in Moscow. One of the things that makes these people 'poor' is their lack of connectivity to the world and information and having such tool tailored for local languages in a way that Microsoft-led products NEVER have. Microsoft prefers not to translate their products into too many languages (see Korean and India translation issues), while the open source community seems genuinely interested in doing so. That helps put a leg up on the (English) literacy problem.
Recognize that there IS real fear by Microsoft and Intel in a stable commodity platform like this, and Microsoft in particular has funded neo-conservative 'think tanks' to support their past behavior with quotes and sound bites.
Poverty does not seem to be going away, right? UNLESS you see one idea actually WINNING - having say made a sustainable difference - please do NOT cheer the death of ANY idea or experiment... particularly one that encourages self-sufficiency and literacy.
PS - Because you were modded to -18, I modded you +1. Why? Because I don't like the 'bury' system here. Assuming you post what you think and were not trolling, this is HARDLY a way to encourage discourse and exchanging ideas. Digg needs a more robust moderation system based on ideas not just accumulated points. Right now it is abused to silence people and drive them away. (Are you listening Digg? Good. Then fix the Captcha 'timer' issue while you are at it... [grin]) - DarkPrincess74, on 11/26/2007, -2/+16For those that are discussing education being important what do you think the point of the laptop is? The people that created these computers and that are running this foundation realize that kids in third world countries will be left behind and continue to be economically held back because they won't have the same training with computers everyone else has. Plus these computers can be powered by hand and can connect wirelessly to other computers of the same kind. What infrastructure are they lacking to use these? It seems like this is a great idea and some people can't look beyond simple things to support it.
- LocalDocal, on 11/26/2007, -6/+19To be honest, this seems like a good thing to me. The article subtitle and some people here seem to focus on how big corporations have crushed Negroponte's dreams of being the one to provide laptops to developing nations, but what seems to have failed to be mentioned is how they did it. Meaning they offered the same thing he did.
So basically, what happened is bigger corporations were threatened by Negroponte's idea, and they released their own version of a cheap laptop (i.e. they added competition to the equation). Nothing bad happened; the original goal (to provide laptops to developing nations) is being met with even greater zeal. Even Negroponte admitted himself in the article that this is actually a good thing and many of the developing nations which originally wanted Negroponte's laptops also admit that they liked Intel's Classmate better. Additionally, due to Negroponte's idea, Microsoft also moved to offer their software at extremely low prices, which also persuaded some countries to help get this idea through in their land.
Yes, Negroponte had been moved to the background due to corporations, but for all intents and purposes (i.e. providing good technology to developing nations at a good price), this seems to be a good thing. - nerdmor, on 11/26/2007, -1/+14I live in one of the countries (Brazil) where these computers are going to be used.
Do we lack the necessary infrastructure? Yes and no. In many cities, there are already enough schools in good enough condition, with Internet access and everything that the XOs will need. In other cities, they still lack electricity, let alone Internet connection.
But it would be too much of a narrow mind to think that everything in a county has to be the same way, everywhere. We sure do strive for the best for everyone, but, while this is not possible, different initiatives are needed in different places, in different levels, all at the same time. The OLPC is one of them, trying to grow the next generation with enough computer-related knowledge so they will not fail.
So, if you think that in every country where the OLPC is going food and shelter is more important than the knowledge and mind-sharing capabilities that it brings, i urge you, think again. - inactive, on 11/26/2007, -3/+15i think using line commands and non-windows computing methods would teach the children much more abut the fundamentals of computing than GUI-for-dummies models used by MS & Apple. Commands play out in front of you and demonstrate what the computer IS ACTUALLY DOING rather than leaving the kid with an impression that computers are just magic or whatever.
I find that boomers who grew up in the computing world when it involved punch cards at university centers have a much sharper knowledge about what a computer IS at its core (a machine that calculates things) while people my own age (early 20s) who grew up on GUI don't really understand the input-output process going on inside the tower, because the graphics and images cover the engine so to speak.
These people commenting here "standing up for" Microsoft, Intel, etc. are out of their minds -- indoctrinated so to speak. Don't presume that just because you're too incompetent or lazy to learn another language or operating system that an entire generation of millions of children are as well. The only reason the laptop isn't going to sell millions isn't because it used red hat's custom-designed linux or AMD chips, it's because -- like negroponte said in the article -- he's not a laptop salesman. Intel on the other hand, employs many laptop salesmen. Like Commodore Perry, MS, Intel &ct. can batter away at corrupt, stupid r-tards like the Libyan technology coordinator and give them a line of bull like "these kids are going to be learning junkyard technology that doesn't use WINDOWS!!!" and the Libyans, like some of you, will buy into it. - kreneskyp, on 11/26/2007, -1/+13maybe you should read up on the laptop and its mesh networking (802.11s) before you open your mouth.
- spudnic, on 11/26/2007, -0/+12It's not about just giving a laptop to some random kid.
They'll be used in schools and such to educate people. - Waiting2awake, on 11/26/2007, -3/+14Let me introduce you to this human trait - its called curiosity and I bet if you got them in their hands, they would play with them, learn how to work them - just as all of us did - Or did you have computer training before you ever used one? Keeping in mind what is the job these things are supposed to be filling here.
- MrSteamTank, on 11/26/2007, -1/+12The amount of ignorance here regarding non-western countries astounds me. The only country that has actually bought OLPC laptops, Uruguay, is actually fairly well off. Food and shelter is barely an issue there.
- FredFredrickson, on 11/26/2007, -2/+13"Digg me down idiot American Liberals"
The liberals are the ones who are trying to give you food, education, and shelter, *****. - BassJunkie, on 11/26/2007, -4/+15I'm not sure if even that would have helped as most of the people in the story just seem to be afraid of going with something that doesn't run Windows! It is starting to look like MS's strangle hold over the OS market has buyers scared of using the alternative and it is that obstacle that needs to be overcome before the widespread adoption of projects such as this and FOSS in general
- gthrank, on 11/26/2007, -1/+11Oh really, what third world ***** did you come from, you elitist *****? I can tell you, in South Africa there are millions of kids who have BASIC shelter and food, but no chance of elevating THEMSELVES out of ongoing poverty. To stop at simply giving food and shelter is a short-term patch to a long-term problem.
- Elranzer, on 11/26/2007, -5/+15Most Diggers and Slashdotters felt that by going into a country with no computers, they could use them as tools to spread Linux evangelism, in a place where Windows hasn't tainted them yet. It's kinda sad that no one here is actually supporting this thing for the charity, but rather than the potential population figures to take down the market share of Windows. The sad thing is, even Microsoft (with their competing product) and Apple (with their attempt to put Mac OSX on these things) view the OLPC this way.
- insllvn, on 11/26/2007, -2/+12FTA: "At a meeting this month in Cambridge, Mass., with representatives of Macedonia's government, Mr. Negroponte balked at authorizing a pilot project there after learning that officials also were considering testing the Classmate. He told them he didn't want to participate in a "bake-off."
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I am a bit concerned to hear this. While it does not absolve Intel of what is certainly some shady dealings, It seems as though Negroponte is rolling over, or being petty, or I don't know what. Certainly a presentation could be put together to show the advantages of the OLPC system. I realize the specs are better on the Wintel machine, but is it as resistant to water/dust? Why not set up both, next to each other, and empty a pitcher of water onto them? Why not demand they be set up side by side under realistic working conditions, and let the classmate choke on the dust or dirt particles in the air? Surely there is someone who can properly enumerate, and evangelize, the virtues of FOSS, and the world it opens up to the user? Competition, even from unscrupulous bastards like Microsoft and Intel, is not the end of the world. Man up and fight the good fight. Explain how Microsoft/Intel are trying to lock the new market into a product that is less beneficial in the long run. I love FOSS, and I refuse to believe it cannot be sold against proprietary formats. Those of us in the Linux community, and those trying to advance open source software cannot afford to roll up and die every time the proprietary model cheats; sitting alone muttering to ourselves about how the game is rigged and weeping will do no one any good.
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FTA: "Two months later, Intel announced it was joining One Laptop's board. The agreement included a "nondisparagement" clause, under which Intel and One Laptop promised not to criticize each other, according to Mr. Negroponte."
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Oh well, maybe it is already to late for this one. Embrace, extend, and extinguish. - yutt, on 11/26/2007, -0/+9I dugg you down because of your crazy rant at the end. Seriously, what was that about? Did a democrat kill your parents?
- weeble, on 11/26/2007, -1/+10Have you actually BEEN to Africa? Have you ever been to South America? I have. Trust me.. EVERYONE has a phone there. You walk through the Kibira slums in Nairobi, and you see people chatting on mobile phones. You wander down pretty much any street in any reasonable sized town, and you see at least one if not a dozen or more internet cafes. These people are in a race to catch up with the rest of us, and they are doing a damn fine job of it considering where they started. The OLPC is a brilliant idea.. and so is the Classmate. The story about food is no where near what the media leads us all to believe. Yes people are very poor, and yes in some areas finding food is a serious problem, but that is a small segment of the 3rd world. Giving the kids there a computer to learn on is the best way we can use our wealth to help the next generation climb out of the hole that colonialism left them in.
- derjames, on 11/26/2007, -3/+12your friend must be retarded...
- annonimality, on 11/26/2007, -0/+9Exactly, if people in the developing world can get a great computer for even less than the OLPC computer, Mr. Negroponte's vision will be fulfilled.
- workharderscum, on 11/26/2007, -2/+11"smarter move would have been to court the philanthropic nature of companies"
Do you think that those companies would have cut their prices (e.g. MS offering the $3 software package) if there was no threat from something like OLPC? - misfit410, on 11/26/2007, -0/+9if the purpose was to get technology to third world countries, why is it a bad thing that other companies have joined in doing so?
- inactive, on 11/26/2007, -0/+8As much as Africa is a poot third world nation, it's somewhat condescending to talk like a parent figure about what Africa needs while the world media is silent about some of the major problems that face Africa today. There is more to Africa than BBC's patronising view of Africa, so let's have some respect for African intelligence. Africa does need food, water, education etc. BUT for the job market now, computer literacy is such a big deal. Once you give Africans food, shelter and education, how else did you expect them to earn a living? I am based in South Africa and I note that there are so many companies teaching computer skills cos there are not enough people who are comp savvy. On the other hand, one laptop per child is a more affordable option than buying a computer and paying huge sums for Microsoft products, ideal for third world nations.
- onwardknave, on 11/26/2007, -1/+9Education is the reason the laptops were designed, silly.
- Philluminati, on 11/26/2007, -0/+7At the end of the day, the developing nations are going to win and in a way so will negroponte because he would of successfully sold his "idea".
I got to admit I got half way through and thought "is this article ever going to end?". When I saw what was left I gave up reading. - Drizzit, on 11/26/2007, -4/+11Please install Linux and use it before posting stupid comments like these. If you had actually spent 5 minutes on a Linux machine you can do all the same customization in Windows.
OLPC is designed to be cost effective. M$ can not provide any measure of cost effectiveness. Also the antivirus and anti -spyware software would bog down further an already bogged down system running Windows. Not to mention the product lifetime is extended by using Linux which can run on older hardware much better than Windows can. - ronaldinho, on 11/26/2007, -1/+8I have to say, if Negroponte's goal is to achieve one laptop per child, even if he's not doing it by himself, his idea is certainly driving (threatening) companies like Intel to do it. I guess in a way it's mission accomplished, even if it is probably true that Intel is still trying to make a profit
- Waiting2awake, on 11/26/2007, -1/+8Sub-par? Are you seriously comparing the OLPC to a mainstream level Dual core system?
BTW - your assumptions one which one is better is asinine. Which is the best golf club? It's a nonsensical question, because the best golf club depends on where you are. A driver won't work well in a sandtrap and a wedge doesn't make a good driver. In the same way that on low power systems MS and Apple simply don't belong there either - and this project wasn't going to effect them in the least, but in case it did some time in the future "they" decided to nip it in the bud. Screwing people in the process. That is beyond despicable, and clearly beyond being defensible in any moral or ethical metric. - RoboDonut, on 11/26/2007, -1/+8Don't speak from someone else's experience. It makes you look dumb.
- bobbyi, on 11/26/2007, -0/+6Wifi is more useful if you don't already have a phone.
- Sinudeity, on 11/26/2007, -3/+9I understand your point, but as an African I can say
that Africa NEEDS education more than anything else.
The entire, give a man a fish, or teach him how to fish ideal. - AgentAce, on 11/26/2007, -2/+8Why don't we let them decide what they want, in a free and open market, instead of telling them "Hey, you're stupid. You need to use Linux." I use Linux and don't particularly care for Windows, but this is bordering on zealotry.
- jav1231, on 11/26/2007, -0/+6That and their totalitarian governments destroyed so that they can actually move forward.
- MiDri, on 11/26/2007, -1/+7"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a him how to fish and you've destroyed your whole market base."
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