Thanks for the article. There's actually a silver lining to the OLPC, the spawning of a number of competitors to the cheap laptop. Other quotes from the article:
"Since the project launched in 2005, commercial rivals have emerged: Intel’s “Classmate” at around $250; Acer’s laptop at $350; Everex PCs with Zonbu software at around $280; Asustek Computer’s Asus Eee at under $400; and an Indian competitor, Novatium Solutions, which created a basic "NetPC" for around $80. There are many more. .... "
"Likewise, an inexpensive laptop seemed impossible until Mr Negroponte and the OLPC group placed a stake in the ground to build a $100 laptop—which in turn spurred the industry’s biggest players to create low-cost PCs. Mr Negroponte’s vision for a $100 laptop was not the right computer, only the right price. Like many pioneers, he laid a path for others to follow."
That's the problem with pioneers. They're the ones with arrows in their backs. Kudos to Negroponte for his contribution to the laptop. Though hardly in a way he at all desired.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Cedric @ Jan 4th 2008 3:37PM
Thanks for the article. There's actually a silver lining to the OLPC, the spawning of a number of competitors to the cheap laptop. Other quotes from the article:
"Since the project launched in 2005, commercial rivals have emerged: Intel’s “Classmate” at around $250; Acer’s laptop at $350; Everex PCs with Zonbu software at around $280; Asustek Computer’s Asus Eee at under $400; and an Indian competitor, Novatium Solutions, which created a basic "NetPC" for around $80. There are many more. .... "
"Likewise, an inexpensive laptop seemed impossible until Mr Negroponte and the OLPC group placed a stake in the ground to build a $100 laptop—which in turn spurred the industry’s biggest players to create low-cost PCs. Mr Negroponte’s vision for a $100 laptop was not the right computer, only the right price. Like many pioneers, he laid a path for others to follow."
That's the problem with pioneers. They're the ones with arrows in their backs. Kudos to Negroponte for his contribution to the laptop. Though hardly in a way he at all desired.