Quanta builds the first ten XO-1 prototypes

Just as we'd previously heard, Quanta has indeed built the OLPC's first ten prototype machines (now called the XO-1), according to a report on DesktopLinux. These first machines were hand-assembled in order to make sure that the next round of 900 is up to snuff. We're not sure if 50 of those 900 will be the first order of test machines that have been slated to head to Brazil, nor if Thailand is getting any as an enticement to lure it back into the fold. In related matters, OLPC News has estimated the true five-year cost of a single laptop, including training, maintenance and Internet access to be in the neighborhood of $1,000 -- which, if correct, means that mythical $100-ish per laptop target price makes these green lappies a bit more unattractive to their prospective buyers.

[Via Slashdot]

Read - DesktopLinux
Read - OLPC News

[mck @ Nov 14th 2006 7:25PM]

That XO name might not stick, XO (www.xo.com, a communications company) is thinking about suing.

[Chris McDowell @ Nov 14th 2006 8:30PM]

why not just call it OLPC.

[p-diddy @ Nov 14th 2006 8:34PM]

booooooo. I was hoping for an X-O Man-o-war suit ala Valiant Comics. boooooooooooooo.

-p-

[Bad Moon Rising @ Nov 14th 2006 9:49PM]

It seems like those 5-year TCO figures should not be taken overly seriously. Naturally costs associated with internet access, training and maintenance are going to be a part of any adopted technology solution. However, the author of the OLPC News story used very specific numbers that are based on what amount to bald guesses. The assumption that 1/1000 of these babies will need replaced on a yearly basis or that internet access will cost $135.14/user/year don't seem to be particularly valid. The true TCO is certainly going to vary from country to country, and probably even locale to locale.

Personally, I suspect that it will end up being closer to $100/user/year, and then dropping as network infrastructure and user base becomes mature.

[Rick Person @ Nov 14th 2006 10:07PM]

Just give them an Xbox360, Wii, or PS3. They would be much happier.

[Murc @ Nov 16th 2006 12:04AM]

I new this project would fail from the get go.
Its a stupid idea...if they want a cheap laptop...why not just buy a cheap laptop? You can get a new cheapy one for 400 bucks.

[Derek Perrault @ Nov 14th 2006 11:31PM]

Or, you know, some rice.

[wayan @ Nov 15th 2006 2:19AM]

BMR,

Jon calculated TCO from personal experience in designing and deploying technology in the developing world. The costs he mentions can easily be verified if you look at public records and general pricing.

Not so with the OLPC numbers or yours.

[Ricardo @ Nov 15th 2006 8:53AM]

Hi everybody,

I just posted pictures of the XO prototypes as they were demonstrated last week on the IDB event. You can find them at: ricardosblog.com

Cyrus, feel free to add them to this post if you�d like.

[Ricardo @ Nov 15th 2006 8:55AM]

Let�s see if the live link works here:

http://p6.hostingprod.com/@ricardosblog.com/blog/2006/11/olpc_2b1_xo_prototype_pictures.html

[Yesenia @ Nov 30th 2007 1:56PM]

gurl wat u sayin u craaaaaaaaaaaaaaaazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzy u just a cheap pour laaaaaaaaaaaaaadddddddddddddyyyyyyyy bye bye bye honnnnniiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeee haterz omg