OLPC Provides First Look at the XO 2.0
Click here to see images of the XO 2.0
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The XO 2.0 will use touch-screen technology rather than a traditional keyboard; in one image the XO 2.0 is shown with a keyboard superimposed over one of the panes while in laptop mode.
The displays on the XO 2.0 are traditional 16 by 9 DVD viewing displays, which according to Negroponte is one of the most common formats put out by manufacturers due to the popularity of portable DVD players and other movie-viewing devices.
The target is for the XO 2.0 to use just 1 watt of power and Negroponte said their goal is for the XO to reach a $75 price point. The OLPC has a 2010 launch target for the XO 2.0.
Also during today's session, Negroponte referred to some of the news surrounding the OLPC of late and stated that there has been no change in the OLPC's mission. Negroponte did say the OLPC has changed its target strategy by being more open to countries that have pursued XO contracts, such as Uruguay and Peru. He also said the OLPC will restart the Give One Get One program sometime in August or September.
Also speaking at this morning's session was new OLPC President Charles Kane, the former chief financial officer of the organization. Kane spoke about the unique challenges that the OLPC faces as a small nonprofit (with 26 full-time employees and under 30 consultants) and how, while many businesses feel threatened by the XO, the OLPC also needs good partnerships with businesses.
On that subject, Kane and Negroponte spoke briefly about the recent agreement with Microsoft to provide a $3 version of Windows XP that can run on the XO. They also spoke about how this can be deployed in dual-boot versions for XO systems along with Linux.
Comments (2)
Doesn't matter. Their decision to go with XP has left me cold--good luck to 'em, but I won't talk them up any more. It's a marginal model in the first world, and a horrible model in the third.
Posted by Dave Ihnat | May 28, 2008 6:42 PM
The new notebook/tablet sounds like an exciting new project, another innovative idea. The touch screen will make it a possible candidate for windows 7. If Microsoft can make it fit. Wish Negroponte the best!
Posted by web | June 2, 2008 10:23 AM