Jobs offers Mac OS X for $100 Laptop

[Lacero]

I think it's a bad idea of one laptop for every student. They're just going to use it to IM each other silly 'lolz!1!!' messages and surf the net looking for porn.

 

[SPUY767]

Those people are really stupid, in my honest opinion. Mac OS X Tiger for free?!?! Wow..

Agreed, but the open-source gurus who thinks that it's the greatest thing since sliced bread will come out of the woodwork to say differently. That is the reason that i chose to get right sdown to the bottom of the issue and say what needed to be said.


On a lighter note, anyone remember that movie, "The gods Must be Crazy"? Where the movie crew drops the coke bottle on the african tribe who proceeds to argue about its origin and its purpose? That's what I imagine a computer in Burundi being like, people have to eat bugs to survive, I don't think they give a damn about computers.

 

[savar]

For a $100 laptop, you have to buy your own:

1. RAM
2. Hard drive
3. Keyboard and mouse (no trackpad included)
4. External speaker (no built in)
5. Power cord

What? Are you quoting actual specifications? My understanding is that the most recent prototype, which was a litlte under $200, had a compact flash drive instead of magnetic drive, no mouse or speaker, but did have a keyboard, trackpad, and power cord, as well as a hand-crank generator. basically, it was ready to use off the shelf, but with compromises made in order to meet such a radically low price point.

 

[savar]

Hey Einstein, someone else buys the laptop for $100, and gives it to the kids.

Haha, exactly...who thinks starving kids in Africa have $100? $100 is a couple months of food for a family of 4. (Keep in mind the dollar is highly valuable relative to many African currencies.) I'm not sure people won't take them and resell them, but certainly most of these won't be paid for by their primary owners.

 

[Seasought]

The new $100 laptop will be powered by an AMD processor running Red Hat Linux.

lol

Not to be mean or anything but it seems kind of sadistic to hand Red Hat Linux to kids in developing nations.

"A computer! Wow, thanks!"

*boots up*

"Wtf is this?!" (tosses the laptop into the trash)

 

[CHess]

In my opinion, we are probably being too nice to these people we've captured. Who cares if we strip them if it gives us info which helps save our soldiers. I would also hope we have centers that the rest of the world didn't know about so we can conduct our side of the war without stupid media butting in. We are at war with these idiots of people and could and probably should just kill them and make it simple. It's either them or us. If you have a family or friend over there, who are you rooting for???

It saddens me that so people in this country live with this kind of mindset. Also, that a discussion about Jobs offering an OS for free to a project to help people in underdeveloped countries turns into quotes like these.

 

[alandail]

from the faq

http://laptop.media.mit.edu/faq.html

The $100 laptop is being developed by One Laptop per Child (OLPC), an independent, non-profit association based on the "constructionist" theories of learning pioneered by Seymour Papert and later Alan Kay. It is totally separate from MIT, with its own board, executives, location, and staff. Its founding members are AMD, Brightstar, Google, News Corporation, and Red Hat, all of whom have funded both OLPC and the MIT Media Lab.

could that be why they turned Apple down?

Great idea, bad decision to turn down Apple.

Look at some of the people involved:

Nicholas Negroponte
Mary Lou Jepsen

Walter Bender
Michail Bletsas
V. Michael Bove, Jr.
David Cavallo
Benjamin Mako Hill
Joseph Jacobson
Alan Kay
Tod Machover
Seymour Papert
Mitchel Resnick
Ted Selker

http://laptop.media.mit.edu/principals.html

 

[EricNau]

It's too bad they declined to use OS X, but I guess I understand. As long as they don't put Windows on them, it'll be fine.

Isn't part of OS X Open? (like Open GL, or something?)

EDIT: Just looked it up, Apple does have Open GL, but that's not what the $100 laptop people want, they want it to be more open, I guess.

 

[aspro]

I think they made the best decision, the last thing a developing country needs is to be even further tied to external interests, at least with free software if they run out of money and favour they can continue developing their software.

Plus I'm sure that the only reason we think linux is odd or difficult is because we are brought up on something else, these guys dont have anything else so they will find it relatively easy to learn I would imagine. I mean many of us learnt how to use the most primitive of operating systems when we first learnt computing.

 

[pizzach]

I would be infinitely greatful to Steve Jobs for offering Mac OS X, but there is just no way it would work out.

1. I wouldn't picture the laptops running such an advanced OS all that well.

2. With open source linux you geat a much broader easier access to free programs that are always being updated. I could imagine it now. They upgrade they make OS with a few monthes worth of food. Then they realize they need to throw away another 6 monthes to upgrade office because it isn't compatible. Talk about fasting.

And no, I don't think Microsoft really had a real chance either.

 

[groovebuster]

Sorry guys, but some of the commenst in here are really ignorant...

Mac OS X might be a nice OS, but it is a commercial OS! Period!

They don't want to be dependent on one Software vendor for no good reason. Linux will be around as long as there will be computers and it will be for free. On top they can tweak it the way the need it. This is one big advantage of Linux over any other commercial OS out there: No dependencies!

And for those who think that Linux will be a nightmare for the students are ignorant too. Do you really think they will hand the laptop and an installer CD to the students? The OS will be customized exactly the way the students need it and it will be pre-installed. When they boot it up it will do exactly what it is supposed to do.

I am also a Mac-Head, but for this purpose Linux is clearly the better choice.

groovebuster

 

[lolex]

I think it's a bad idea of one laptop for every student. They're just going to use it to IM each other silly 'lolz!1!!' messages and surf the net looking for porn.

Totally agreed to your point, this is unnecessary to get everyone has a pc,
the most important is to enhance their knowledge, broaden their horizons to see
things, it just ridiculous to give someone the developing country an advance device that equiped with WIFI, TOUCH SCREEN, LINUX CODED, DOES ALMOST ANY THING A LAPTOP WOULD DO, which normally would carrys by JAMES BOND.

It was just like someboby knocking my door, I opens and he says'

" Hi, We are going to make everyone a chance to go visits the moon , and you're the first one gifted the ticket, so get your things ready and we'll embark tomorrow !!"

" get the silly out of here!! I 'm on my way finishing a game, go freaky with others!! "

Who wants a ticket visits the moon, who need a laptop ???

Just let me has clean water, let me has shelters, n bulids me a school !!!!

They in MIT are so respectful , mature enough not to be doing kiddings like this.

 

[MacDust]

$100 lamp

From their own website

In one Cambodian village where we have been working, there is no electricity, thus the laptop is, among other things, the brightest light source in the home.

http://laptop.media.mit.edu/faq.html

Great use for this program, sounds like a real winner!

 

[oskar]

(Snip...) which normally would carrys by JAMES BOND.[/b]

It was just like someboby knocking my door, I opens and he says'

" Hi, We are going to make everyone a chance to go visits the moon , and you're the first one gifted the ticket, so get your things ready and we'll embark tomorrow !!"

" get the silly out of here!! I 'm on my way finishing a game, go freaky with others!! "

Who wants a ticket visits the moon, who need a laptop ???

Just let me has clean water, let me has shelters, n bulids me a school !!!!

They in MIT are so respectful , mature enough not to be doing kiddings like this.

What?


LOL! Sorry but couldn't help myself... what the heck was that?

 

[oskar]

From their own website

In one Cambodian village where we have been working, there is no electricity, thus the laptop is, among other things, the brightest light source in the home.

http://laptop.media.mit.edu/faq.html

Great use for this program, sounds like a real winner!

I'm guessing that was a joke, right?

 

[Evangelion]

So he expects children to run Red hat. . . Nope. Not gonna happen. Even ubuntu, with probably the simplest interface and most straightforward controls is a pain to run compared to X.

Depends on what you do with it. Everyday usage is just as easy (no, you don't have to edit text-files if you don't want to), if not easier.

Furthermore, open source support is a crock; you generally get what you pay for, and since you're paying nothing, you're getting nothing.

I'm sorry, but you have zero clue what you are talking about. No, really. I have personally had situations where I have been in direct contact with the developers of an app when I have had problems. I have had situations where I have provided feedback on an app, and it was fixed about 2 hours later!

I have also experience with Apple's tech-support (when my iPod b0rked itself). They just gave me the generic reply: "restore the iPod to factory-settings". Um gee, thanks guys for kick-ass support!

You are saying that you wont get any support with open source. That is pure, 100% BS.

What kind of real-world computing skills is someone gonna learn running linux. I don't recall seeing a job posting for a script kiddie or a 1337 h4X0|2

Same logic: what kind of real-world computing-skills is someone gonna learn running OS X? Photoshopping?

Seriously, Linux simply enables the user to do more. The source is all there. You might not find it interesting and worthwhile, but CS-students and other interested people will. And they can dive deep in to the code, modify it and learn from it.

Get real. I don't care how you spin it. With a few exceptions, Open source just doesn't measure up to commercial.

Which is why Apple DIDN'T build their OS, developer-tools, browser, server-tools etc. etc. on open source? Oh, they did? That's what I thought....

Seriously: why do you people hate Linux and open source? Are you afraid it's going to steal OS X's thunder or something? Linux and OS X can co-exists beautifully. Linux and Mac-communities could co-exist beautifully. Same could not be said about Linux and MS/Windows or OS X/Apple and MS/Windows. Yet you people are constantly attacking the thing that could be one of your biggest friends and allies! It just boggles the mind!

 

[SiliconAddict]

What?


LOL! Sorry but couldn't help myself... what the heck was that?

Obviously English isn't his first language....so a little slack is warranted. I'm still trying to figure out if he was being facetious or not.

 

[SiliconAddict]

That's what I imagine a computer in Burundi being like, people have to eat bugs to survive, I don't think they give a damn about computers.

Umm do you have any idea what conditions are in other countries or where these laptops would be targeted? If not then please stop talking like the expert. I'm so sick of coming onto these threads to see people mouth off like they are the final word on a topic. The reality is these laptops would be perfect for the schools that are getting American second, in some cases third hand junk e.g. 8088’s, 286's, 386’s and in many cases end up being discarded as junk.
These computers would be perfect as an introduction to computer technology. The digital divide extends beyond just those in this country. If 3rd world countries don't start catching up they are going to be pretty much doomed in this century and won’t stand a chance of competing in the world market in the next 100 years.
Can you really argue that technology is going to become less ingrained into all of human society in the future? Yes reading, writing, arithmetic are all important skills but knowing how to manipulate a computer is going to be critical in the 21st century’s workforce and that doesn’t just apply to the Americas, to Europe, or to Asia. The world is going to have to know how to use a computer at some point.
So please. You aren’t an expert. Nor am I. However at least I am willing to keep an open mind to both opinions without spouting out know-it-all crud.

 

[monkey egg]

One small step...

I think anything - ANYTHING - is better than nothing...

I sure hope the intended recipients also have a reliable power supply. I visited Vietnam in 2002 and the internet cafes A) all use pirate copies of Windows and B) need huge numbers of car batteries in the corner of the room to level out the spikes and troughs in the power, not to mention all the brown outs that happen...

A wind up radio has been successful in Africa - maybe a wind up laptop is round the corner? If they can get the CPU power requirements down low enough?

 

[oskar]

Obviously English isn't his first language....so a little slack is warranted. I'm still trying to figure out if he was being facetious or not.

Yeah, I checked out his profile afterwards and kind of realized that. Didn't mean to be too picky, just that I didn't understand anything he was trying to say.

 

[50548]

Umm do you have any idea what conditions are in other countries or where these laptops would be targeted? If not then please stop talking like the expert. I'm so sick of coming onto these threads to see people mouth off like they are the final word on a topic. The reality is these laptops would be perfect for the schools that are getting American second, in some cases third hand junk e.g. 8088’s, 286's, 386’s and in many cases end up being discarded as junk.
These computers would be perfect as an introduction to computer technology. The digital divide extends beyond just those in this country. If 3rd world countries don't start catching up they are going to be pretty much doomed in this century and won’t stand a chance of competing in the world market in the next 100 years.
Can you really argue that technology is going to become less ingrained into all of human society in the future? Yes reading, writing, arithmetic are all important skills but knowing how to manipulate a computer is going to be critical in the 21st century’s workforce and that doesn’t just apply to the Americas, to Europe, or to Asia. The world is going to have to know how to use a computer at some point.
So please. You aren’t an expert. Nor am I. However at least I am willing to keep an open mind to both opinions without spouting out know-it-all crud.

Exactly, some people have no clue...this program is primarily directed at countries that may already put digital integration as a priority (since other needs can be dealt with under other assistance programs), such as Brazil, China, India and Thailand...these are "advanced developing countries", which have money to spare and a crucial need for capacity building in the near future.

This is also true for poorer or more remote areas in the U.S. and Eastern Europe, which still lag behind in terms of access to computers.

Many of the LDCs (least-developed countries) in Africa/Asia/Latin America may obviously benefit from the program, but if you all read the article with some attention, you will see that they are NOT the first receivers of such help, as they have to rely on foreign assistance in an almost complete fashion; indeed, they still have some bigger fish to fry.

Having said that, if we are to follow the "O.C. kids" mentality, poorer countries will NEVER have access to technology (and, consequently, good and integrated education)...I truly hope that program bears some fruit to all, even if it's with a crappy/ridiculous Linux inside.

 

[lolex]

What?


LOL! Sorry but couldn't help myself... what the heck was that?

Dude...easy....apologizes for my bad english, and confusing you guys

What MIT is now going to do is understandable , and their sentiments are respectful.

I'm just feeling that peoples in undevelope country may need some subsidiary in their infrastructuresmore more urgently than a decent laptop, like a stable shelter, clean water supply, and most important , a school with fairly good facilities to learn.

What interesting me is the laptop they're going to develope would equips with
advance technologies: Tablet screen, WIFI connectivity, Light weight, wind-up rechargable battery etc. which is fairly not owned by majority of people in developed country, isn't it ironic ??

A better farming technology , a technology to help build infrastructures for water and power supply is just what their need in this minute, once they gain a better way to live , they will know what a laptop is for.

Moreover, it's unnecessarily to develope such a laptop intentively for this purpose, there're tons of obsolete computer wares out there which are enough to build decent networks for thousands of schools anywhere anytime in needed. Why don't just make a recycle campaign for them,acquires a primary OS to runs with, elobrates an efficient logistic system in distribution, everybody benefits then.

 

[Stella]

I wish people would read the actual article before posting... they wouldn't come out with comments such as


- but they have no electricity
- they need feeding first
- it should run OSX ( when its obvious that the laptop is not powerful enough )
- $100 is too expensive for the starving in Africa
- the main organisation behind this is just out for profit

And so on...

RTFA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Stella]

and on, and on, and on.

 

[AlmostThere]

Not actually free

This only seems to have been touched, or I missed the posts, but I very much doubt that SJ or Apple are really offering OS X for free. The point about open source is that it comes with no restrictions on usage, no legally binding clauses and fixes, patches and improvements can be freely redistributed. The zero cost thing is always a bonus.

You don't have to be talking about re-writing the kernel, but those using these computers in the field are almost certainly going to find novel uses for the computers, for example, they may well be used (in part) to help manage social or commercial developments, or help farmers manage their crops or simply help families manage on very tight budgets. Many children have to combine education with work to make ends meet and the idea is that this computer is theirs to take home and apply as they see fit. Apple and MS already apply restrictions on purchases made for research and educational use, server licences cover different numbers of networked computers, despite identical software in the box .

Where local skills exist to implement these changes, they want to be able to freely share them with the community at large. A problem solved in the Far East might have applicability to somewhere in Central America or even back in the MIT Lab. Will Apple allow this re-distribution of their software?

If the local software development skills do not exist, will Apple be prioritising development to implement specific requirements? A large, open source community can react to these needs, whereas Apple would be constantly having to balance support with commercial obligations. A charitable gesture is all well and good, but what about the sustained support that really makes a difference. Freedom at all levels is about enabling people to support themselves, not dependance on a third party.

The last thing a developing nation want to be dealing with is a law suit with a developed one and a suitable open-source licence clears the need for expensive and unnecessary lawyers and risk.


The aid to education of using a laptop, which might seem like an expensive luxury, is that it negates the need for the constant resupply of consumables. Villages do not need constant telecommunications or power to run these laptops. They have built in peer to peer networking, one computer can download text books over night and share them with the rest of the class. Traditional replacements not only need lorries to deliver them, on a regular basis, but the paper used degrades in many environments. Consumables can be removed from the equation, too. Homework can be written up on the laptop and transferred for marking to the teachers computer. Overall, one single delivery and an intermittent phone connection can run a school for years, allowing it to develop and build unhindered by many of the constraints that inaccessibility creates.

Sorry for duplication with previous posts.