Negroponte says role at OLPC not changing, Windows coming soon

It's just been a few short days since Nicholas Negroponte seemed to make it clear that his role at OLPC would soon be changing, but it now seems like that may not be the case, with Nick Neg telling Laptop Magazine that his role will "not be changing drastically" once a new CEO is put in place. He also went on to say that "replacement" is not the right word, and that he had never held the CEO title nor used it, adding that he'll now go under the title of "Chairman and Foreign Minister." With that out of the way, Negroponte also dropped word that "a Windows operating system is in the process of being fine-tuned on the XO as we speak," and that it "should be available on the XO in less than 60 days," which is about the firmest word of a release date we've heard so far.

[Johan S @ Mar 10th 2008 3:56PM]

Putting Windows on the OLPC is like putting a broken steam engine on a bicycle.

[Jagannath A @ Mar 10th 2008 4:15PM]

NO

[Magallanes @ Mar 10th 2008 5:07PM]

Giving a not-so-cheap notebook for a child from third world is like to give a bible to a starve man.

[Samurai Jack @ Mar 10th 2008 4:20PM]

Putting Windows on the XO will totally undermine its purpose. It will no longer be a tool children use to learn, but instead the children will become tools for Microsoft. And the XO will become nothing more than the gadget du jour for posers in rich countries. Please--stick to the original vision for this.

[fred @ Mar 10th 2008 5:30PM]

So rough translation:

I dont like Microsoft, and therefore I'm going to declare the whole effort useless because they will have Windows on some of the devices.

[Samurai Jack @ Mar 10th 2008 6:18PM]

No. Linux on the XO allows kids to rip apart the source code, make changes to the OS and develop whatever applications they want. Windows on the XO won't come with source. Heck, they'll be lucky if they can get the mesh networking to work properly under Windows. I happen to think that kids learn best when they have an opportunity to experiment, and Windows in this environment removes that opportunity.

Microsoft (perhaps rightly) views it as a matter of indoctrination. Get the kids using Windows early and they'll insist upon using it later in life as that's what they'll know best. Which is good for Microsoft but bad in terms of learning opportunities. It really has nothing to do with my opinion of Microsoft per se. If it were any other proprietary operating system (say, OS X) I'd say the same thing.

[JayMonster @ Mar 11th 2008 9:09AM]

Yeah, because that "indoctrination" technique worked so well for Apple when they tried to get Macintosh into all the schools right? *Everybody* was going to be a Mac user after that. How'd that work out?

As for "Ripping apart the kernel" ummmm... yeah... talk about a poser position. How about you get something in the kids hand that they can learn to USE first? Sounds to me like you are the one hoping to use these kids as a "tool" to "build the Linux community"

I'm not saying Linux is WRONG, (considering the initial intended price point and such, it would seem the most logical choice) but I am not going to condemn having Windows XP on the machines either assuming they can get it working properly with the Mesh Networks (and that is no sure thing), and Microsoft is willing to license XP cheap enough to not move the (already higher than planned) price point.

[Ian @ Mar 10th 2008 4:24PM]

The beginning of the end for OLPC. With a version of Windows being developed, it's only a matter of time before Microsoft's invasive and insanely criminal Windows Genuine Advantage disables the learning tools of 40 million third-world children.

Oh, wait... NOW I get it! It's a clever ploy to keep the third-world nations in line! Cool! I like that!

[Homeboy @ Mar 10th 2008 4:34PM]

Am I the only one who hates that picture?

[Sean @ Mar 10th 2008 5:00PM]

Maybe he's that goofy looking in real life. He certainly makes goofy statements.

[Najakwa @ Mar 10th 2008 5:39PM]

yeah it looks like this picture was taken in the 80's.

[YoMomma @ Mar 10th 2008 4:40PM]

thank you negroponte, your are awsome for bringing windows into the olpc. linux sucks ass.

[ethana2 @ Mar 10th 2008 7:03PM]

Ubuntu users? Dogpile his rating.

[ManekiNeko @ Mar 10th 2008 8:43PM]

After struggling with Linux on my EEE for two weeks, I'm more inclined to boost his rating.

[daliminator2000 @ Mar 10th 2008 4:47PM]

Has anyone here ever actually USED an XO? The interface is absolute crap. Windows is a step up, not down.

[ethana2 @ Mar 10th 2008 7:05PM]

Get a different distro. The one it comes with is designed for small children.

[Charbax @ Mar 10th 2008 7:37PM]

I have an XO and I can say that the interface is pretty close to perfect. Click on a program icon on the bottom of the screen to launch it into the RAM memory. Based on Journal (kind of a blog to by synched up online with the teacher, other students, parents, students blog..). I'd say the Interface only needs to be slightly optimized, tweaked slightly to be completely and absolutely the most perfect. As long as collaboration is a one-click feature, saving and synching is automatic, instant stand-by and resume works on a closed and opened laptop, that the gamepad buttons can control the mouse, I'd say it cannot be better.

Adding the possibillity to run Windows XP apps on the OLPC XO is awesome as well. As long as it is super easy for children to dual-boot eigther Linux Sugar or Windows XP Lite by just simply inserting the SD card with the other OS before booting.

[Chip @ Mar 11th 2008 9:24AM]

What? The Sugar GUI close to perfect? You're certainly entitled to your opinion. I've also got an XO and while I don't think the UI is crap, it leaves a lot to be desired.
1. Do they even have WPA connectivity working right? or do you have to enter in the whole hexstring as generated by a website you can't get to? That's a nice catch 22.
2. These kids will never ever see a Sugar interface again other than their laptop. Why not train them on something they'll encounter in "real life".
3. To the person that said they can compile their own Linux code, roll their own OS, just get real. I don't know what wonder-nerd 10 year old you're envisioning, but most all kids us wikipedia for homework and then kickback with Webkinz.

[Whiplash @ Mar 10th 2008 4:50PM]

The real upside to having Windows on the OLPC is the quality of the development tools. I've been TRYING to do some OLPC development using Python and PyGTK and compared to Visual Studio, it's like pulling teeth.

[Tired_ @ Mar 10th 2008 4:56PM]

Ok. How do they justify refusing OSX, now that they're embracing Windows? The whole reason they said no to Jobs' offer was it's lack of openness.

[ThePete @ Mar 10th 2008 6:26PM]

They refused both OSX and M$, but M$ didn't give up--they worked on the project on their own and when people involved with OLPC found out they weren't that offended or disgusted with their non-intrusive efforts. Turns out that M$ is trying to put XP on an SD so you can *choose* to use XP rather than Sugar.

As someone who has been struggling to make use of Sugar on his own XO for the last three months, I will welcome this.

Of course, knowing M$, bloatware-lite is still bloatware.

That said, at least I'm willing to withhold judgement until I can see how bad it sucks firsthand. (And I'm a Mac person! We're not ALL stuck-up, elitist, snobs!)

Of course, if I could find a way to easily get Ubuntu (or some other more useful and less-buggy Linux) to run on my XO, I'd be even happier. Key word there: *easily*.

[yourleftnut @ Mar 10th 2008 5:07PM]

Has anybody used an OLPC. I ordered one and was supposed to get it in January. When it did not show, they said it was in the warehouse waiting to be shipped. A month later they said they are behind in production, but mine was in the production queue. I cancelled the order (they gave me the option) and told them I wanted a full refund because if they cannot provide decent customer service, then I had no confidence in their ability to put out a computer that could do what they claim. I found out today they provided a partial refund. I really wanted them to succeed. If Mr. Negroponte is reading this, contact me, I'll be your CEO. I know I can do a better job for your company.

[Tim @ Mar 10th 2008 5:14PM]

With a name like "yourleftnut" you arent going to get far.

better luck next time skippy.

[yourleftnut @ Mar 10th 2008 6:07PM]

Yeah, thanks for that little buddy. If I seriously thought Nick was reading this and would offer me the CEO spot, I would have reconsidered my choice of name. However, it was a rant written out of frustration and the name is simply a way to get your attention. Apparently it worked.

[Tim @ Mar 10th 2008 6:40PM]

"However, it was a rant written out of frustration and the name is simply a way to get your attention."

Dude, you have been using that nick since 8:41pm on February 20th 2006.

Thats a long rant... you wanna talk about it?

[yourleftnut @ Mar 10th 2008 6:45PM]

You're cute. Pretty sad that you looked that up though. Maybe you should send your resume to Nick.

[Tim @ Mar 10th 2008 6:52PM]

I obviously lack the necessary people skills. So do you, it would seem. The difference is I didn't whore myself out for the position, you did. So take your pills and get some sleep big guy, you have a long day of Jr. Management classes ahead of you.

[yourleftnut @ Mar 10th 2008 6:59PM]

Amen. But, I was being sarcastic, not whoring myself out. Believe me, I have a great job and am very comfortable financially. I have started up and run several small companies, so I guess I am a more demanding customer because of it. I just thought this would be a good computer for my 3 year old daughter to learn on and was really disappointed by not being able to get a straight answer from this organization. Anyway, no more anger, there's too much of that on these boards. If my name offends, I will change it to something else.

[Tim @ Mar 10th 2008 7:13PM]

Actually, I got a chuckle out of your name. I just thought the situation was funny enough to merit a few pokes at a complete stranger. If the internet can't be used for misplaces aggression, what good is it for right ;)

You are obviously more successful than your name would suggest (no sarcasm intended). When i read your post i kind of pictured a 20 year old kid in a dorm room, not a real business man, and after reading your other comments i can assume that is not the case.

Best of luck to you mr.yourleftnut. ;)

[Jagannath A @ Mar 10th 2008 11:27PM]

now who is right ? :S

[alphachapmtl @ Mar 10th 2008 5:59PM]

What is the XO ?

[heiro @ Mar 10th 2008 6:00PM]

Wow, the Microturfs have landed... Whiplash, you're funny.

[tickingGear @ Mar 10th 2008 6:33PM]

As a developer the OLPC just died for me...

Have a nice day.

[markatlnk @ Mar 10th 2008 7:12PM]

My concern is that M$ might subsidize the cost of the XO to some countries just to get the machine into their market. Some of the politicians might just be susceptible to bribes and make decisions not based on what would be the best for their public. If M$ had a track record of playing fair I wouldn't be as worried.

I have an XO on my desk, I love it. Yes the Sugar interface is not there yet, But it is a work in progress and each update seems to improve it more.

Remember who it is designed for.

Mark

[Charbax @ Mar 10th 2008 7:46PM]

If the OLPC can bring Microsoft to lower the cost of Windows XP to $3, slim it down so that it runs nicely on a $180 laptop that has 20 hours battery life, integrates WiFi Mesh features, integrates collaboration features easilly in all Windows XP apps, provides instant standby and resume, security such as respecting that certain apps can only be installed if they are cryptographically signed, that the laptop has to verify it's not stolen as soon as a connection to the Internet is established and brick itself if it detects that it is stolen. And perhaps even get Microsoft to open-source Windows XP at some point with the next couple of years. The I'd say OLPC has in terms of the revolution of laptop OS software done a "mission completed". Now just to get the rest of the Industry to accept that Moores law means laptops should cost half the price every 18 months and consume half the power every 18 months and not add bloatware to keep the same price and not care to improve power consumption of processors and screens. Fanless is the way to go, with Intel going fanless with the Atom Centrino, this is another "mission complete" for the OLPC project.

[markatlnk @ Mar 11th 2008 9:19AM]

I agree, Charbax, that would be mission completed (at least part), and it might even be the way that benefits the target group where it matters most, I just would like to see it go another way. I guess I worry that if M$ gets the user base large enough, they might start treating it as a profit center rather than the humanitarian effort that I think it represents. As with almost any body or company, if one group gets too much power, it tends to corrupt the original purpose. Someone, anyone, running a large company that is based on profit will be required to maximize the return of investment. If they don't, the stock holders will not be happy (not make money) and vote him/her out. M$ is in a tough spot, they need to grow, but that is hard without looking at these new markets. In the end, the money usually wins. I just hope that in this case the best product wins.

Mark

[eggothewaffle @ Mar 11th 2008 12:32AM]

Can someone please move his glasses up his nose? It's been bothering me for AGES.

[anthone @ Mar 11th 2008 12:49AM]

putting this tech talk aside, has anyone else noticed his last name?

NEGROPONTE!!!!!! NEGROPONTE! NEGROPONTE! NEGROPONTE! NEGROPONTE! NEGROPONTE! NEGROPONTE! NEGROPONTE! NEGROPONTE! NEGROPONTE! NEGROPONTANG! NEGROPONTE! NEGROPONTE! NEGROPONTE! NEGROPONTE! NEGROPONTE!
LOL

[JayMonster @ Mar 11th 2008 9:12AM]

Sounds to me like Nick isn't looking for so much a CEO as a shield. A talking head he can use so that the press can annoy constantly, and then Nick just pops out when it is time to take credit for something.

[Derek @ Mar 11th 2008 1:50PM]

Negroponte please.

[teapot @ Apr 7th 2008 7:52PM]

I wrote a short review of XO laptop with Sugar and Ubuntu ( http://abelits.livejournal.com/37973.html ), and here is the part relevant to this:

Educational use

To be honest, not being a teacher I am not really qualified to write a review for this laptop (or any other device) as an educational tool. I have an excuse for mentioning surprisingly GOOD decisions specific to a school environment only because despite Nicholas Negroponte proclaiming that "It's an education project, not a laptop project", no one really bothered to present a consistent curriculum that this laptop is supposed to be used with, so apparently people who run this program know less about education than I do.

I hope, missing pieces will be added as the project goes along, but development of tools in any way other than in parallel with curriculum is a terrible idea that I would only expect from a backwards, primitive education system such as one practiced in US, and I hope, this project will not crash and burn before someone realizes that educational applications come from curriculum and not the other way around. There are a lot of applications developed already, some perform general-purpose functions (text editor, browser, etc.), some range from a simple musical instrument to Python IDE and an oscilloscope with spectrum analyzer, however they don't fall into anything that even resembles a school curriculum.

Even if we take the lists of applications with general educational value that allow user to look up information (such as kalzium and celestia), or perform calculations/simulation (wims), I am sure, porting them to Sugar would provide a better initial set of applications than what exists now -- we know that they fit into existing curricula because this is what they are built for, even though they cover very little of what has to be done. For something as new and unusual as a programming course for kids, the existing Python IDE lacks graphics output while Turtle Art has graphics output paired with monstrously cumbersome representation of a language that confuses kids and adults alike (as opposed to Logo that is clear, simple and almost forty (!) years old).

In contrast to this poorly thought out set of applications (and don't tell me that Windows, MacOS or anything else general-purpose has a better one, they barely scratch the surface and provide atrociously inconsistent interface), the environment itself is a shining beacon of forethought applied to complex devices in the hands of kids. Seriously, I am impressed.

And, of course, taking this into account, stuffing Windows on it would completely negate educational use of its environment and turn all courses involving it into yet another "learn how to use Microsoft Word to write awesome reports with MS Comic Sans font and Microsoft Excel to make 3D graphics". I realize that people who want this laptop for general-purpose computing may demand Windows on it (though I don't see a point -- it can't run games, 3D CADs, EDA or other classes of software where Windows-specific applications may be more desirable for some users), but for learning? What are they going to put on it, free Matlab?