Jobs offers Mac OS X for $100 Laptop

[Evangelion]

You're just proving my point. The fact is, Open source makes no difference. Robustness makes a difference. And what is that crap about being CS majors. They're talking about distributing laptops to people with no electricitry. I don't think that CS majors are in high demand. If it can't teach them how to milk a yak, it probably isn't going to help them survive.

*sigh*, you are missing the point. By using OS X, they would be dependant on Apple, period. By using Linux, they would NOT be dependant on anyone. Of course it takes some expertise to modify and improve the system, but there would be LOTS of people (in those respective countries (yes, there are computer-experts in Africa, Asia, India, South-America) and elsewhere) that could do it. If they used OS X, only Apple could do it.

[lolex]

Seriously, this thread has been a huge let-down for me. Here we have a noble effort to help the poor of this world. And you people whine and complain because they didn't choose OS X (regardless of the fact that OS X would be a very poor candidate for this project). And because they decided to use Linux and embrace open-source, you start to flame Linux and open source.

yea, I agreed with your point that we shouldn't bickering too much over which OS to use, since it's a noble project. ( despite my disagreements on the projects' direction.)

I respect the efforts devoted by those open sources community, they help democratize the whole computer world, and if for whatever reasons, these open
source organizations vanished, the world of Pc will go into it's Dark Age for ten or more years, which we don't want it to be happens. Keep supporting to them.:)

[cloud 9]

Seriously, this thread has been a huge let-down for me. Here we have a noble effort to help the poor of this world. And you people whine and complain because they didn't choose OS X (regardless of the fact that OS X would be a very poor candidate for this project). .....

.... yet you are 1:1 identical to them. In fighting the monster, you have become the monster.

My point exactly ( i shortened the qoute, otherwile it would be to long :D )

i really hope these laptops will have a significant value in the education of childeren in the under developed countries. and that they are used for that purpose only.

and that they are not sold to us, costumerswho would like to install os x on it, or run some tests, or just want a creative umbrella.
:rolleyes:

[fixyourthinking]

Seriously, this thread has been a huge let-down for me. Here we have a noble effort to help the poor of this world.

You trolled every comment (that wasn't to your liking) with repetitive regurgitated slashdot-like cut and pastes.

Each of your points were so long and had such poor grammar they were hard to understand.

There is validity to your argument, but you came across in this forum as Linus Torvalds ... you have that much of a fanboy attitude about Linux. So you seemed hypocritical calling us fanboys for being on a MAC CENTRIC website.

Here are some points I would like YOU to consider (privately please):

1) Do you know how many failed projects and KNOWN scams Nicholas Negroponte (lead organizer) has pulled? DOZENS!!!

2) Linux is not polished enough to be distributed to the masses ... yet. It also has NOT been tested on a wide international consumer/laymen scale. Understand that statement rather than disagreeing with it.

3) Red Hat and AMD stand to gain a HUGE windfall, immense publicity, and "claims" to marketshare ... with such a market ... Red Hat could split from Linux ... AMD could close their chips and lock support for these systems. As a Linux lover - this should frighten you ... the immense commercialism this project will bring to the Linux platform WILL DESTROY it. Linux is meant for enterprise and underpinning and for technical, industrial purposes ... configured by knowledgeable IT ... not for capitalistic, commercialised, public lame brained consumers. Linux has its place, as does Windows, as does the Mac OS.

4) The only time aid/social help has been a success EVER is when large corporations have donated ... NEVER by government assisted help. The governments of Africa, Asia, South America are corrupt (yes most all governments are corrupt, but in different ways) Individuals, Churches, and Business have the success after Katrina - the government has wasted millions and intends to waste billions on micromanaging, administration, and unneccessary or irresponsible spending.

Your arguments were good, your debating skills abyssmal.

The point was that Linux is configurable, OS X is less so. And please: show me the configuration-option in OS X which says "remove the menubar". Please show me the configuration-option that says "replace the windowmanager".

Shareware - look to versiontracker and macupdate.

[cb911]

wow. :eek: $100 laptops for students?!

lucky buggers...

but i suppose, you've gotta know how to use one these days.

[iMeowbot]

But in a note to CNET News "clarifying" the Journal story, Media Labs co-founder Nicholas Negroponte said Jobs' offer applied only to China and that officials in China actually rejected it last year.

"I took (Jobs') offer and mentioned it to the Minister of Education (of China)," Negroponte said in an email relayed by a Media Labs spokeswoman. "He said: 'No thank you,' that they preferred Linux and Open Source."

Permalink (http://news.com.com/2061-10793_3-5954333.html)

[lolex]

Permalink (http://news.com.com/2061-10793_3-5954333.html)

How comes China sounds like empowered to say no on this thing?

He's only one of potential recipients.:eek:

[Evangelion]

You trolled every comment (that wasn't to your liking) with repetitive regurgitated slashdot-like cut and pastes.

And you posted comments that had zero basis in reality ("Linux is not free!"). I corrected your claims, so I can understand that you are annoyed.

Each of your points were so long and had such poor grammar they were hard to understand.

English is not my native language. Let's hear you Finnish, shall we?

There is validity to your argument, but you came across in this forum as Linus Torvalds ... you have that much of a fanboy attitude about Linux. So you seemed hypocritical calling us fanboys for being on a MAC CENTRIC website.

I use both Linux and OS X, and I see merits in both. When I see downright moronic comments ("open source sucks! It's communism!"), I will comment.

I'm not calling you fanboys for being on a Mac-centric website. There's nothing wrong with that. I'm calling you fanboys for your blind worship for everything Mac-related and blind hatred for everything that is NOT Mac-related (even though some of that stuff you guys hate actually form the very foundation of your beloved OS X)

Here are some points I would like YOU to consider (privately please):

In private message? Sorry, no. I will comment in public

1) Do you know how many failed projects and KNOWN scams Nicholas Negroponte (lead organizer) has pulled? DOZENS!!!

So? Does that make this project somehow noble? And could you please provide some links to those "known scams"?

2) Linux is not polished enough to be distributed to the masses ... yet. It also has NOT been tested on a wide international consumer/laymen scale. Understand that statement rather than disagreeing with it.

It's already being distributed to the masses, and it's being used by millions (on desktops I might add) around the world as we speak. There are numerous cases of Joe Sixpacks using Linux. I have PERSONALLY seen grandmothers using Linux, and they had no problems with it. So how exactly it's not "polished enough"? As far as polish is concerned it walks all over Windows (OS X does have an edge). Yet that lack of polish doesn't seem to stop Windows from having 95% market-share.

3) Red Hat and AMD stand to gain a HUGE windfall, immense publicity, and "claims" to marketshare ... with such a market ... Red Hat could split from Linux

"Split from Linux?" What do you mean?

As a Linux lover - this should frighten you ... the immense commercialism this project will bring to the Linux platform WILL DESTROY it.

Uh-huh. And monkeys WILL FLY OUT OF MY BUTT!

Seriously: offering low-costs laptops that run Linux to children of poor countries will "destroy Linux"? Huh? You are making ZERO sense here!

Linux is meant for enterprise and underpinning and for technical, industrial purposes ... configured by knowledgeable IT ... not for capitalistic, commercialised, public lame brained consumers.

Really? Could you please point me to the executive document written by the leadership of Linux Inc. where they say that? In case you can't provide any tangible evidence which says that "Linux is not meant for lame-brained consumers", then I'll just assume that you are stating your personal opinions. And personal opinions don't matter much, facts do.

Fact is that Linux is WIDELY used in libraries around the world, as a public-access terminals. It's also used in massive supercomputers, servers, PDA's, mobile-phones, embedded devices, desktops etc. etc. It's used as personal system for individual users. It's used for charitable purposes. And it's used by corporations to earn them money.

Your arguments were good, your debating skills abyssmal.

And you have zero knowledge about the subject at hand. You are telling here what Linux is meant to be used for. And the fact is that it's meant to be used in any way it's users want to use it! You are saying that "Linux should not be used here because it's not what Linux is meant for!" when in fact Linux is used in lots of different places. OS X is used on desktops and servers, and that's it. Linux is used just about everywhere for just about every possible purpose. Yet you claim that Linux is only meant for some specific things?

Facts don't agree with your opinions, buddy!

[Evangelion]

How comes China sounds like empowered to say no on this thing?

He's only one of potential recipients.:eek:

Basically Jobs offered OS X for the Chinese, and the Chinese rejected it. Of course China could not speak for Uganda (for example), but apparently Jobs didn't offer OS X to Uganda.

[lolex]

Basically Jobs offered OS X for the Chinese, and the Chinese rejected it. Of course China could not speak for Uganda (for example), but apparently Jobs didn't offer OS X to Uganda.

:eek: The nature of the whole arguement may be revoked if it's not MIT to reject the OS X from Apple., interesting though :rolleyes:

[generik]

Did anyone seriously thing that Apple would deliver even if they accepted Steve's offer.

First off i do find it hard to imagine how they are going to have a already cheap $100 laptop... and squeeze in a DRM/TPM chip. That'd call for some redesigns, and probably require a more modern CPU.

By the way as I know it I have yet to see an AMD board with a TPM module.

So what do you expect, just because of Steve's kindness he will willingly give up AppleCorp's crown jewels unprotected?

No way, it is plain and simply just a publicity stunt. Nothing more nothing less.

[lolex]

First off i do find it hard to imagine how they are going to have a already cheap $100 laptop... and squeeze in a DRM/TPM chip. That'd call for some redesigns, and probably require a more modern CPU.
By the way as I know it I have yet to see an AMD board with a TPM module.

:o Of my interpretation, it is not quite difficult a job to accomplish the prototype that MIT araised: a 500mhz/.1G./ touch screen/ wifi / rechargable battery.:rolleyes:

It's just a resemble of PDA which now spinning out there , how is that be difficult to put those into a laptop size large compartment??:eek:

In a compartment of that big, you 'd solve the overheat problem , the power supply problem since it carrys a larger battery easily .:p

The big problem is how to convince the big company produce such an rather obsolete product in large scale,and how to target who is the recipient.:eek:

[generik]

But MacOS does need quite a far bit of CPU juice too, how would it possibly be usable on a 500Mhz machine? :eek:

Ok, I do know some people are doing it right now, but the difference is those people are running it on their old machines.. I find it a bit hard to accept that people would want to run their "new" machines slow as a dog from day 1.

On the other hand an old version of Linux would probably fly on those..

[Evangelion]

On the other hand an old version of Linux would probably fly on those..

New version are faster than the old versions. And of course the system would be customized to fit the machine. No unneeded features or services, GUI would be something really tiny and streamlined (IceWM, Fluxbox or the like. Just enough tto get the job done) etc. etc.

[fixyourthinking]

OS X is used on desktops and servers, and that's it.

I see Mac OSX in schools, in research (human genome, artificial intelligence (KISMIT), in kiosks (almost all of the kiosks at the Smithsonian are Mac based) ...

Your last paragraph just proved my point ... Linux IS in a variety of places ... it is meant as an embedded operating system ... as underpinning. I've seen grandmas playing Gameboys too ... that has no correlation to demographic marketshare, market use, or market awareness.

Do you honestly think that this "laptop" won't be knocked off, repackaged, for less and then similarly sold to other governments, and individuals? When these governments buy the "fakes" they have spent their money/child on the fake ... it is unsupported AND it is a lost sale/profit to both AMD AND Red Hat and any other supplier - who will depend on the millions distributed to make this worth while. It will be a support and logistics nightmare, it will possibly get dissidents beheaded or jailed (bloggers in China are being jailed in some cases, and try promoting Christianity (or other religion) in Saudia Arabia) When a missionary visits one of these remote locations and preaches the gospel, then a child looks up information about Christianity ... is the child responsible for his insurrection?

Speaking of which ... internet access (via a mesh network) ... who's providing THAT infrastructure? That's not a part of the $100.

I also see that today, Negroponte is presenting a prototype to the UN - to Koffi Anan ... no worries there ... Koffi Anan is the most credible man the world has ever known ... cough cough.

While I complimented you on your posting you continue to attack everyone whom you disagree with.

[fixyourthinking]

New version are faster than the old versions. And of course the system would be customized to fit the machine. No unneeded features or services, GUI would be something really tiny and streamlined (IceWM, Fluxbox or the like. Just enough tto get the job done) etc. etc.

Customized? I agree ... but Red hat is just going to customize this all for free and support these 150 million laptops for free? This is what you have suggested.

Linux runs nicely on old Mac boxes too ... I have a Network Server 700 with a 200Mhz 604e running Linux PPC ... I use it as a media and backup server, and as a print server, and a "test box" for Linux applications. I also run Mac On Linux on it.

You don't need high end processors to run Linux, so the 500Mhz that this project calls for isn't a problem.

[MacWrath]

Cute idea, but I'd rather see the money go to more important things (like feeing them or giving them vaccines/cures) than making sure they have a computer.

1. I don't think these kids are concerned about getting a laptop when their parents are dying of AIDS or they are worried about where their next meal is coming from.

2. Linux is a little over-the-head of the average user....do you think these kids will have any idea how to use it?

I agree but... you'd be surprised how important the internet (and computers in general) are to developing cultures. A friend spent time in Kosovo, the Balkans, etc. teaching orphans and many of the areas had better access than your local coffee shop.

The real problem is (as many have said here) is that of the black market and the eventual destruction of Apple via pirates, etc. Hell, I'd buy a $200 (considering a 100% mark up) OS X laptop!

But this all smacks of the movie (book first), "The First 20 Million Is The Hardest". They couldn't crack the C Note mark either. It was just a project to keep the unwanted busy. The company owner made his money from hardware (sound familiar?) and would never let it happen no matter how feasible in terms of engineering it was.

The further commoditization of the computer in terms of the $100 price point is something that hardware makers everywhere will probably fight. How many manufacturers would instantly drop out because there would no longer be a market for anything over $500 in the consumer market? Once it can be done it will be done. Yes, these would be the Yugos of the computer world. Most PCs are crap anyway (we're talking about the hardware - the mainstream OSes are a given). Lowering the standards will only make them more crappy. Let them have Windows or Linux on their junk hardware. It's only fitting. And before you Linux lovers start the flaming me my only point is that Apple will benefit by their exclusion not that Linux is a crappy OS. I don't believe that it is. Just that it is not in the league with the Mac OS (where computer illiterates are concerned) and still years behind it in usability. Windows on the other hand is crap.

The bottom line is that no one should care what OS the these cheapie boxes are running as long as it isn't theirs. Who would be willing to support millions upon millions of users who neither paid for the OS nor had the money for extended support on sup-par hardware? No one with an ounce of business sense. I believe that Apple/Jobs did it merely as PR ploy in that they didn't want to appear to be "leaving the children of the world behind" as that would seriously threaten Jobs image and position politically as a limousine liberal.

If they are really serious about this the OS should be only a few lines long and everything else exists in cyberspace. These kids only need them as a tool for learning and communication (back to my friends experiences); not games and porn.

[MacWrath]

Seriously, this thread has been a huge let-down for me. Here we have a noble effort to help the poor of this world. And you people whine and complain because they didn't choose OS X (regardless of the fact that OS X would be a very poor candidate for this project). And because they decided to use Linux and embrace open-source, you start to flame Linux and open source.

Linux and Mac could co-exists beautifully. It really could. Linux and Mac-users have more in common than there are things that set them apart. SAme could not be said about Linux and Windows-users or Mac and Windows users. But you people seem to be determined to make sure that Linux and Mac will not co-exist. It seems to me that you think that anything that is not Apple or Mac-related is automatically crap and should be destroyed. Steve Ballmer would be proud of you guys! You seem to share his mindset, only difference is that whereas he pushes Microsoft-crap, you push Apple-crap. Behavior is exactly the same, spread FUD, bitch and moan. If it's something else than your personal favourite, it must be destroyed. Well done guys. No, really! That is a really mature way of looking at things! And here I thought that Microsoft was bad, it seems that Mac-heads are even worse! At least Windows-users don't have some kind of religious connection to their OS. When Windows-people push Windows, they do so because of stupidity and greed. When Mac-people push Macs and OS X, they do so because of fundamentalism. And I honestly don't know which is worse.

I'm expecting to see wome of you guys start throwing chairs and shout "I'm going to ******** destroy Linux! I'm going to bury those guys!". You are almost there already.

Let me remind you guys of few things: Open source is not crap. And it's not communism. What did STEVE JOBS say about open source software? I believe it went something like "Open source software. We think it's great!" Are you disagreeing with his Steveness over this matter? And how can open source be communistic, when it's earning Apple (a capitalistic company) millions of dollars in profits all the time?

No, open source is not communistic because you can share it for free. For starters, teh decision to open source some software is up to the developer of the software. And second: There are very few companies earning money from selling software. But there are untold numbers of companies that USE software. And while open source MIGHT harm companies that sell software, it will benefit those untold thousands of companies that use software,because they are not dependant on single vendor and because they don't have to pay humungous licensing-fees. Some companies might be harmed (if their for-profit products are not good enough), while humungous number of companies will benefit. How is that "communistic"? Companies will benefit, and you think it's communism?

Are cars "communistic" because it harmed the makers of horse-carriages?

Here's some more facts: Foundation of OS X is built on Open Source. You develop your software with open source. You browse the web with open source. You communicate with Windows-machines with open source. You print with open source. The very heart of OS X is open source. And yet you claim that open source is crap? I guess that means that OS X is crap as well?

If open source is so bad, why did Apple decide to built their entire software-stack on open source? Did someone at Apple decide that "ooh ooh, I know! Instead of building our OS on solid and excellent foundation, why don't we build it on crap instead, and see what happens?"? Yeah, I can see THAT happening!

I'm a Linux-users. And I'm a OS X-user. And this thread has made me feel ashamed to be the latter. You people act like you oppose Microsoft, yet you are 1:1 identical to them. In fighting the monster, you have become the monster.

Wow, you're as melodramatic as the people you're attempting to shame. Several quick points. I agree with your take on open source. BUT...The zealotry that comes from Mac-ownership is primarily based on USING it. Translation: consumers are the main zealots. Not IT guy (I was one), not programmers (I am one) and not midnight hardware engineers (in a previous life) but the users.

Using windows is quite a bit like driving a souped up tricked out American made Minivan. It's not cool looking (except to a few), it's not the best engineered, manufactured, or even thought out vehicle around. But there are tons of them. And you can put your fuzzy dice and beaded seat cushions in them to modify them just like you can a Camry. But most people (from personal experience) who drive the Camry are more impressed by it than by it's American counterparts.

The last part that I disagree with is the whole "noble effort" statement (call me cynical). In theory yes. In practice? No. Do you really think that any large corporation (Apple included) is offering their wares for free out of magnanimity? More doubtful than Thomas! And the same goes for the Linux community. There are good and generous people working at almost every company and in almost every community (whether real or cyber based). But don't think that old Linus is sitting in his weathered armchair thinking that his OS will be boon for this project. He has to have more sense than that. Linux is as much the right tool for this job as is ProDos.

This whole scenario reminds me of the movie, "Volunteers" starring Tom Hanks. The Peace Corps wants to build a bridge in Tailand from one village to another. The commies want it built for herion trafficking. The CIA wants it built to stop the commies. In the end it comes out that the villagers weren't crazy about the bridge from the biginning. Not a perfect example but good enough for the girls we date.

Third worlders may want computers for education and communication but what tool they use is not as important to them as it is to the tool maker.

I think you need to grow a thicker skin and lighten up. It sounded like you were going to cry. If you were looking to the Mac community for superior breeding, intellect and sensitivity then I suggest you stick your head back in the sand. No product or manufacturer has a monopoly on the people who possess those qualities although their clients often like to believe they belong to such a minority. This thread is no different. It is neither indicative of all Mac users nor is it counterpoint to their attitudes in general.

Humanitarian aid and noble efforts do not make the world go round. The internet was started by the military and consumers have found a use for it. I no more believe in the noble efforts of the military as an institution (they are a tool) than I do in the noble efforts of academia as an institution. People, not institutions are noble. But this effort is misguided.

[Evangelion]

I see Mac OSX in schools, in research (human genome, artificial intelligence (KISMIT), in kiosks (almost all of the kiosks at the Smithsonian are Mac based) ...

And guess what Einstein? Those machine you listed ARE desktops or servers! But Linux is used on such things as embedded devices (PVR's, routers etc.) PDA's (Sharp Zaurus etc.) Mobile-phones etc. etc. OS X is nowhere to be seen there.

Your last paragraph just proved my point ... Linux IS in a variety of places ... it is meant as an embedded operating system

Wrong again! It's used on servers (fastest-growing server-OS at the moment, second-largest market-share after Windows), Desktops, PDA's, embedded devices, supercomputers (market-share there is about 70%) etc. etc. And here you are telling me that Linux is only "meant" for embedded devices?!?!?! Again: Facts don't agree with your assumptions.

And please provide some links or other evidence to support your claims that "linux is only meant for embedded devices". If that is so, why is Linus Torvarlds adding functionality to Linux that enables it to run on massive supercomputers? Why is IBM spending billions so they could run Linux on their servers and mainframes?

Seriously, you are not making any sense!

it is unsupported AND it is a lost sale/profit to both AMD AND Red Hat and any other supplier - who will depend on the millions distributed to make this worth while.

Red Hat propably doesn't earn one dime from this project. Red Hat earns money through support, they do not sell software. And I honestly don't see them supporting this OS out in the wild. You can already get a OS from Red Hat free of charge.

Speaking of which ... internet access (via a mesh network) ... who's providing THAT infrastructure? That's not a part of the $100.

Irrelevant. We are talking about the laptop here, nothing else.

While I complimented you on your posting you continue to attack everyone whom you disagree with.

If "attacking" means "correcting moronic statements", then yes, I am "attacking.

[Evangelion]

Customized? I agree ... but Red hat is just going to customize this all for free and support these 150 million laptops for free? This is what you have suggested.

I said that they will propably NOT support this OS. But that doesn't mean that there will be NO support at all.

Red Hat already offers an OS for free. It has no support, and anyone can freely download and use it. It's called Fedora. Tweaking fedora for this project isn't really that difficult. All the hard work is already done, really. The OS is improved constantly, even though Red Hat doesn't earn any money from the OS.

Linux runs nicely on old Mac boxes too ... I have a Network Server 700 with a 200Mhz 604e running Linux PPC ... I use it as a media and backup server, and as a print server, and a "test box" for Linux applications. I also run Mac On Linux on it.

But I thought Linux was only meant for embedded devices, and now you are running it on a server???

[Evangelion]

Wow, you're as melodramatic as the people you're attempting to shame.

Maybe, and you know why? Because I'm so astounded by the selfishness and ignorance prevalent on this thread. Apple and OS X has benefitted TRENDEMOUSLY from open source. It really has. But now that there is a product that chose to use Linux and open source instead of OS X, everybody starts to flame open source and everything it represents. Talk about biting the hand that feeds you!

Like I said, Linux and OS X could co-exists beautifully. The fact that Linux was chosen for this project (and it IS the better choice in this case) does not take away from Apple in any shape or form. And I really don't see any reason for Mac-users to vilify Linux or open-source. Neither of those has done Apple any harm, far far from it. Mac OS could co-exist wonderfully with Linux. And I want Linux and OS X to split the market between them. And I can't understand the downright hatred that Linux and open source in general seems to cause in so many people here, espesialle when we consider all the humungous benefit Apple has received from them!

Several quick points. I agree with your take on open source. BUT...The zealotry that comes from Mac-ownership is primarily based on USING it. Translation: consumers are the main zealots. Not IT guy (I was one), not programmers (I am one) and not midnight hardware engineers (in a previous life) but the users.

Usually those who defend Linux are the ones who use it. I would find it really strange to have someone who doesn't even use it go out on a limb to defend it.

The last part that I disagree with is the whole "noble effort" statement (call me cynical). In theory yes. In practice? No. Do you really think that any large corporation (Apple included) is offering their wares for free out of magnanimity? More doubtful than Thomas! And the same goes for the Linux community. There are good and generous people working at almost every company and in almost every community (whether real or cyber based). But don't think that old Linus is sitting in his weathered armchair thinking that his OS will be boon for this project. He has to have more sense than that. Linux is as much the right tool for this job as is ProDos.

Linus doesn't really care about market-share or the like. He doesn't really care if Linux has 100 million users os 100 users. He does what he does because it's fun.

Hell, just recently he said (and I quote): "When you hear voices in your head that tell you to shoot the pope, do you do what they say? Same thing goes for customers and managers. They are the crazy voices in your head, and you need to set them right, not just blindly do what they ask for."

Third worlders may want computers for education and communication but what tool they use is not as important to them as it is to the tool maker.

And the software in this case is created by volunteers all around the world. Yes, Red Hat is involved, but even they don't get any money from selling software. Hell, you can get the exact same OS they offer from here (http://www.centos.org/).

I think you need to grow a thicker skin and lighten up. It sounded like you were going to cry.

Let''s just say that I expected more from Mac-users. A lot more. They pride themselves for being those who "think different". But from where I'm standing, they are not at all different from Microsofties. I guess it's OK to "think different" only as long as you "think mac".

Humanitarian aid and noble efforts do not make the world go round. The internet was started by the military and consumers have found a use for it. I no more believe in the noble efforts of the military as an institution (they are a tool) than I do in the noble efforts of academia as an institution. People, not institutions are noble. But this effort is misguided.

So, providing people in third-world countries a cheap access to computers and technology is "misguided"? Uh, O....K....

[geese]

4) The only time aid/social help has been a success EVER is when large corporations have donated ... NEVER by government assisted help. The governments of Africa, Asia, South America are corrupt (yes most all governments are corrupt, but in different ways) Individuals, Churches, and Business have the success after Katrina - the government has wasted millions and intends to waste billions on micromanaging, administration, and unneccessary or irresponsible spending.


Actually, that statement is inaccurate. Katrina might have been mis-handled by the US government, but (and I speak with experience, working in a development agency) there are governments around the world in developing countries that have helped their lot. It just does not get reported in the news. Its not very sexy news. Corporations can help as much as they can hurt. As do governments. South Africa, for instance is doing *alot* to combat Aids for instance, even by defying international patent laws and manufacturing aids drugs cheaply. But thats not very interesting news. Robert Mugabe's Zimbabwe is far more newsworthy and atrocious.

[lolex]

So, providing people in third-world countries a cheap access to computers and technology is "misguided"? Uh, O....K....

I strongly argee it is a misguided noble effort, even it may be painful to hear.

- For the whole project, a bunch of hot-blood geeks have a handfuls new technologies,
and want them to be announced in a noble format, so, they connected their
project into the 3rd world peers.

- It 's completely wrong in procedure to finish a product and then throw this ball to somewhere for whatever reasons, without any adequate marketing plans, any tangible target group, any logistic plan to deploy.
It 's very lame to answer every question by : It's not the part of the project .
Don't you know you're now creating a problem not a solution ?:eek:

If you don't wish to hear any critics challenging this project, please don't put it into the public
and finished it secretly, If it is a real success , someone will come back admits your project is noble. :)

[Evangelion]

- It 's completely wrong in procedure to finish a product and then throw this ball to somewhere for whatever reasons, without any adequate marketing plans, any tangible target group, any logistic plan to deploy.
It 's very lame to answer every question by : It's not the part of the project .
Don't you know you're now creating a problem not a solution ?:eek:

How do you know that they are not doing that? What makes you think that they are not thinking about those issues as well? What "problem" are they creating?

If you don't wish to hear any critics challenging this project, please don't put it into the public and finished it secretly, If it is a real success , someone will come back admits your project is noble. :)

Could this project fail? Absolutely! In fact, I believe that in the end it will not achieve the goals it's creators had in mind. Does that mean that we should not do it or that the project sucks? No it does not. If Woz and Jobs thought like that, we would not have the Mac. What did the "Think Different"-ad say?

"Those who are crazy enough to believe they can change the world, are the ones who do it"

The people behind this project are "thinking differently". And I find it rather ironic that Mac-people are flaming them for that.

The most complaints I have seen here is due to the fact that they are not using OS X. Why do I get the feeling that if they did use OS X, the complainers would be cheering them on, instead of preaching doom 'n gloom.

[lolex]

How do you know that they are not doing that? What makes you think that they are not thinking about those issues as well? What "problem" are they creating?

They disclosed this project to the public, without any tangible actions-to-be published, what I see is only their thoughts in their mind, make me feel like that.

In their article, what I saw is " to the childs of poorest part of the world.... " ,'' help them an access to the computer world......" , " for the sake of education........." reiterating all over their webpage,

- Where did you define as the poorest places in the world?
- How would you help them, in what actions, in what extends, in what foramts, in what scales, in who are recipients ,to access to the computer world?

- Would you disclose any tangile figures to state out, how is the life and envirnoment of those childs now living on , what kind of learning format they used to be, what kind of language they're speaking ? So, you now doing whats to help , how to do these , hopefully achieve what goals , before which time.
- Who going to provide worldwide technical supports to remote places.?

Until you can put those into your FAQ, pls don't crown any noble statement onto the project, you're yet not to deserve the honors.and I would still call it a problem.:p


Could this project fail? Absolutely! In fact, I believe that in the end it will not achieve the goals it's creators had in mind. Does that mean that we should not do it or that the project sucks? No it does not. If Woz and Jobs thought like that, we would not have the Mac. What did the "Think Different"-ad say?

"Those who are crazy enough to believe they can change the world, are the ones who do it"

The people behind this project are "thinking differently". And I find it rather ironic that Mac-people are flaming them for that.

The most complaints I have seen here is due to the fact that they are not using OS X. Why do I get the feeling that if they did use OS X, the complainers would be cheering them on, instead of preaching doom 'n gloom.

When someone pointing out your problem ,it is neither preaching doom nor gloom, someone just share with you precious experiences.

Thanks for bring up Steve Jobs, I like him being being bring on.

Did you ever notice the contents in Steve Jobs' keynotes, What did he used to
disclose ? Tangible figures. ,

He discloses tangible figure of sales, market share, target groups, what people are wishing and announced the product, then state the goal he wish to achieve in what time limit.

Also he's very careful not to disclose any information about the product before any keynotes.

All the project is now going in a completely way contradicts to what Steve Jobs will do. Quite a shame to bear the " Think Different " quote though.:p

Yes, for whoever crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do it.

However, you're not carzy enough, you charge it for $100, which left you a lot of follow up to response with, it would be more make sense to give away for free , and collaborate with non-profit organizations to provide volunteers to follow up, and deal with a much smaller area for a preliminary test run.

You 've been connected to too many peers which your bandwith doesn't broad enough to handle,
so like a mess.

MIT is not in good position to connect government officals all over the world, it complicated everythings, You have been instilled politics into the project, which nightmares is growing.

Look at their Video (rtsp://196.203.134.60/archives/pc-051116-1900-en.rm?start=00:01:26) and FAQ (http://laptop.media.mit.edu/faq.html), and interprets their answer to the press.

-I can't believe my eye respectful as MIT would present prototype as lame as a 'Toy Photo Stand Thing' to UN Kofi Annan, asking recipient to sign a contract of $100,000,000. to order 1 million of this .....thing.??

'it's not me to call you a Dreamer, It's the things you doing make me feel you 're a dreamer'

[wnurse]

http://www.palm.com/us/products/handhelds/z22/

:rolleyes:

You joking right?.