Takahashi: Low-cost options for computers
,----[ Quote ]
| Low-cost computers are finally coming into their own. Power users won't want
| them, but some niche markets will, including children in the developing world
| and older adults who don't want a complex Windows Vista machine with a price
| tag of $400 to $600.
`----
http://www.mercurynews.com/businessheadlines/ci_7798122?nclick_check=1
3 out of 4 run just Linux, 1 runs both. Vista is nowhere in sight.
Related:
Microsoft's Big Problem in a Small Box
,----[ Quote ]
| Vista is a big operating system that demands monster graphics and dual-core
| processors. But what if the market pines for a whole lot less?
|
| [...]
|
| The mass move to mobile computing is a destabilizing force and harbinger of
| change. Microsoft's position would be better if Vista didn't demand so much
| when the market wants so little.
`----
http://www.microsoft-watch.com/content/desktop_mobile/microsofts_big_problem_in_a_small_box.html?kc=MWRSS02129TX1K0000535
http://tinyurl.com/2sg6xy
Linux is about to take over the low end of PCs
,----[ Quote ]
| Opinion -- Sometimes, several unrelated changes come to a head at the same
| time, with a result no one could have predicted. The PC market is at such a
| tipping point right now and the result will be millions of Linux-powered PCs
| in users' hands.
|
| [...]
|
| Microsoft will fight this trend tooth and nail. It will cut prices to the
| point where it'll be bleeding ink on some of its product lines. And Windows
| XP is going to stick around much longer than Microsoft ever wanted it to.
| Still, it won't be enough. By attacking from the bottom, where Microsoft can
| no longer successfully compete, Linux will finally cut itself a large slice
| of the desktop market pie.
`----
http://www.desktoplinux.com/news/NS2414535067.html
This time for sure on mobile Linux
,----[ Quote ]
| The Wal-Mart Linux PC, priced at $198, is sold out. Zonbu seems to be gaining
| traction, with a notebook priced at $279.
|
| “You’re seeing incredibly improved device drivers. We’ve got hundreds now.
| This is a phenomenal effort that plays to the strength of Linux, a volunteer
| community representing millions of dollars in free development.
|
| “You’re seeing more manufacturers shipping Linux desktops, PCs and laptops
| but also mobile Internet devices from Acer, Motorola’s Razr, TiVo…there’s a
| slew of new devices coming out.”
`----
http://blogs.zdnet.com/open-source/?p=1773
Linux Sees 'Astronomic' Growth in Mobile Devices
,----[ Quote ]
| "We were very aware that the growth in mobile for Linux was huge, but we
| didn't know it was so astronomic," Amanda McPherson, marketing director for
| the Linux Foundation, told LinuxInsider. "These are very encouraging
| numbers." Why Linux has drawn significant support from the community of
| handset manufacturers can be explained on several fronts, McPherson said.
`----
http://www.linuxinsider.com/rsstory/59162.html
OLPC and the Kindle
,----[ Quote ]
| The bottom line: Both of these devices are going to be around for along time.
| I hope that Amazon sees the potential of their device and realizes that OPEN
| is going to get it more consumers laying down $399 than a closed proprietary
| device. It will also ensure that a publishing ecosystem will build around
| them. As for the OLPC: here's to you folks. Nicely done. A wonderfully
| crafted device, a noble vision, and an Open mindset. Brilliant!
`----
http://radar.oreilly.com/archives/2007/12/olpc_and_the_ki.html
My (daughter’s) OLPC laptop has arrived
,----[ Quote ]
| My–actually my daughter’s–XO laptop from the One Laptop Per Child Project has
| arrived and a few things were striking: Its size (built for kids), the
| software interface, which is very intuitive, and the realization that this
| tool is designed for children–not adults. In other words, dad needs to step
| aside and see how the XO does with the kids.
`----
http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=7436
Intriguing Holiday Gifts
,----[ Quote ]
| Featured in this Roundup:
|
| FrontOLPC XO-1 ($399 direct to donate one, get one—until December 31, 2007)
| The XO-1 laptop by the One Laptop per Child (OLPC) initiative is a
| game-changer for disadvantaged children in developing countries. For a
| limited time you can benefit as well.
|
| AngleASUS Eee PC 4G ($400 street)
| Despite its minor annoyances, the ASUS Eee PC 4G—a 2-pound ultraportable—is
| sleek, versatile, and well worth the $400.
|
| Amazon Kindle - FrontAmazon Kindle ($400 direct)
| It's pricey, but Amazon's Kindle is the e-book's best hope to make the best
| seller list.
`----
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2704,2236777,00.asp
Seller Beware - Hemorrhage of Customers Ahead
,----[ Quote ]
| Just a side note to humbly remind you that Komputers4Kids is in need of some
| help in order for us to get our influx of Christmas season orders met. We are
| looking at 18 computers to build in the next 7 days...and getting the fuel in
| the vehicles to deliver and set them up. Any help you could provide us will
| be appreciated long after this season is over.
`----
http://blog.lobby4linux.com/index.php?/archives/391-AUTOSAVED-Seller-Beware-Hemorrhage-of-Customers-Ahead.html
http://tinyurl.com/33owlq
Linux Drives Hot Holiday PCs
,----[ Quote ]
| Linux machines are cheaper and often more energy efficient than their Windows
| and Mac counterparts.
`----
http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/60564.html
Why I Will Recommend Linux To Family This Year
,----[ Quote ]
| So, my approach to Linux in the family would be to start with the kids!
| Okay, I’ll give you a hint, I already have started with them on Linux, and
| it’s working.
`----
http://www.velocitywebdev.com/2007/12/01/why-i-will-recommend-linux-to-family-this-year/
,----[ Quote ]
| For her birthday, I bought Leslee a Asus Eee (pronounced E). I've had my eye
| out for an ultraportable laptop for her for a while. So far, I'd only found
| very expensive ultraportables. When this came out, and was available in the
| $350-400 range, I jumped at it. For some, the fact that it runs Linux might
| be a deterrent, but definitely not for me.
|
| [...]
|
| Leslee tells me every day how much she loves it. I bought it for her, so
| that's what matters. The fact that it exposes her to Linux and open source
| software is a nice bonus.
`----
http://dmartin.org/weblog/asus-eee
Ten things you can do to help open source
,----[ Quote ]
| Open source is all about the community multiplying individual efforts: at
| whatever level you can, doing something you care about will bring rewards for
| all.
`----
http://resources.zdnet.co.uk/articles/features/0,1000002000,39291123,00.htm
Gift Ideas for Linux Users
,----[ Quote ]
| Do you have a friend who finally got tired of all the crashes and bugs that
| come with Windows? Did they switch to Linux and now swear by it? Then these
| are the perfect gift ideas for your shopping list. The following gift ideas
| are perfect for all penguin loving Linux users.
`----
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/457009/gift_ideas_for_linux_users.html
Nothing Says Holiday Cheer Like Free Software
,----[ Quote ]
| You can also play Santa yourself and show up with your list in hand. Many
| people would appreciate a little help with the installation process, so you
| can just load the software for them -- or even install a Linux distro like
| Ubuntu or Fedora that comes bundled with lots of basic applications most
| people will find helpful. Installing Linux is so easy these days, almost
| anyone can do it -- but you can keep that piece of news totally secret!
`----
http://www.linuxinsider.com/rsstory/60446.html
Kindle, Eee PC top Amazon.com 'most wanted' list
,----[ Quote]
| Ironically, perhaps, it was the N810 that was the only meachine ahead of the
| Eee PC in Amazon.com's list of best-selling notebooks. Even though the N810
| isn't a notebook, in the true, computery sense of the word.
`----
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/11/22/eee_pc_americas_most_wanted/
Top-10 gift ideas for the Linux Gadget Geek
,----[ Quote ]
| Got a Linux Gadget Geek on your shopping list? You can't fail with a gift
| from this guide to the ten hottest Linux-powered devices gleaned from
| LinuxDevices.com's news throughout 2007. There's something for everyone, at
| prices from $150 to $1,000, organized from least to most expensive. Enjoy!
`----
http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS5936183381.html
There's No System Like Linux for the Holidays
,----[ Quote ]
| Holiday shopping season is about to hit full swing, and personal computers
| already rank high on many people's wish lists. If you're going to give the
| gift of a new PC, should you consider giving one with Linux? If the receiver
| is a tech-savvy individual, it may be the perfect gift, and the growing
| availability of preloaded machines means setup headaches are easily avoided.
`----
http://www.linuxinsider.com/story/Theres-No-System-Like-Linux-for-the-Holidays-60397.html
Tux Droid delivers a very Merry Linuxmas
,----[ Quote ]
| Although it could be argued that your average fanboy has already got the
| present they wanted this xmas in the continuing growth of Linux in terms of
| both actual deployment and media popularity, or maybe the arrival of the
| Linux server for Unreal Tournament 3 or even the fact that the BBC iPlayer is
| now Linux compatible. But no, believe me, when they see the dancing plastic
| penguin that announces the arrival of new email all that will change.
`----
http://www.daniweb.com/blogs/entry1904.html
Tech charities to consider this giving season
,----[ Quote ]
| As part of my year-end planning I look at what charities to donate to, since
| charitable contributions are tax-deductible. Here's a list of charities with
| ties to free software, open source, and information technology.
`----
http://www.linux.com/feature/123069
|
|
