Negroponte’s vision of a $100 laptop unveiled, yet the mystery continues
Posted by Dennis Sellers 
Nov 17, 2005 at 7:44am
Kofi Annan introduced the $100 dollar laptop on Wednesday at the World Summit on the information Society in Tunis. Annan began with an opening statement that is in part, read as follows:
“Some inventions are ahead of their time. Others are perfectly on their time. Still others, seem so obvious and natural, that once people hear about them, or see them – they wonder why it took so long for them to come into being. It is rare – it is a rare invention indeed – that manages to be all greatness at once. But Nicolas Negroponte, his team, of the world renowned MIT media lab and their partners – have given us just such a breakthrough. The $100 laptop is inspiring in many respects. ”
After the introduction, Negroponte demonstrated the unit’s versatility as an e-book, TV, games machine or laptop to a packed house of reporters who couldn’t wait to take photos of this breakthrough unit, that the Media Lab dubbed the Green Machine.
Negroponte presented the unit, like as enthusiastic child. He confessed that he hadn’t actually seen the unit functioning until 20 minutes before its official unveiling. “The next time we see it, we’ll have at least one company signed up to build it, and perhaps one big name company signed up to make it commercially available, ” said Negroponte. It was revealed during his presentation that five manufacturers are bidding for the contract, with three brand names looking at it – which haven’t decided whether or not to build it commercially. He added that “A commercial company could take the same design and make it available, at say $200, for people in small businesses, people in governments, and for people who want to buy it in the retail market. And we’re in those discussions.”
The only thing that Negroponte said on the software side of the equation at first was that it was going to be open source. Later, when specifically asked about the Operating System, Negroponte stated “Whether it’s Linux or some flavor…we’re working on that now.”
That publicly stated generality would make it far too early to assume anything. Although there’s been a lot of noise about the operating system not being OS X, one has to consider that Apple’s open source Darwin project has just as much chance of being that open source OS as anything else.
However, on a number of occasions, Negroponte made a point about one of their sponsors being Google. Negroponte stated that “they’re the experts, the pros at doing things for the bottom up. He plugged Google a number of times with a rather revealing smile that would definitely, in my opinion, point to Google playing the largest role in software in this initiative. Once you see the video yourself, you may see exactly what I mean. Yes, gestures are most revealing aren’t they? You could view the entire one hour and seven minute video of this historic unveiling—at this site, which requires the Realplayer.
So what does Google have to do with operating systems? Well, if you tuned into the Sun/Google alliance’s video and announcements of October 4; there was a general feel that Google had been working with Sun Microsystems on OpenSolaris. Although there was nothing concrete that was announced during that press event, one of the comments that Jonathan Schwartz made was interesting, in that he alluded to wanting to retain “an element of surprise” in respect to future product announcements and/or collaborative efforts between Sun and Google. So I wouldn’t be surprised in the least if Google and or Google/Sun Microsystems got the nod from Negroponte.
Being that Negroponte introduced the fact that the $100 laptop will eventually spill over to commercial markets including governments and small businesses; you should read Macsimum’s report filed on October seventh titled “Apple, Google and the $100 laptop,” that could fill you in on some of the blanks in this respect.
In general
Other topics that Negroponte discussed were Mesh networking, environmental issues, and market entry points, in addition to various aspects of the technology in general. He did touch on the “grey market” that could take advantage of such a program as well.
Negroponte acknowledged that the grey market was in fact a possible problem ahead. He acknowledged that poor families could in fact sell the unit instead of allowing their child to use it, because they needed the money – and that’s a part of the same equation. He gave a number of examples of how this has been examined, but hoped that there would be some community and peer pressure for it not to appear on the grey market. The unit itself, he added, has some built in features that will shut the unit off if it’s not on the network for a few days. Of course, this is one of the advantages of this unit being a network-centric computer.
In so many ways, this unit and project has a mountain to climb on several fronts – and only time will tell if it will ever succeed. Much was revealed at this event that demonstrated the blindness of the project including the fact that unit has never been tested in the real world and humorous accounts of how difficult it was dealing with governments that would virtually change over the weekend. Sorry, but his accounting of that, was funny.
Whatever operating system that the association finally decides on to power this unit, we know that Apple has at least made the gesture that Darwin was available to the project. Being that open source was the bottom line criteria, OS X was never in the running to begin with. But it’s bigger than politics, and I think most are cheering Negroponte on the long road ahead.
Are Negroponte and his One Laptop per Child non-profit association, dreamers? Yes perhaps. But it’s nice to know that someone is willing to go beyond just hoping for the next guy to do something about the great digital divide. In the end, just as in the beginning, Kofi Annan’s opening statement, says it best:
“Some inventions are ahead of their time. Others are perfectly on their time. Still others, seem so obvious and natural, that once people hear about them, or see them – they wonder why it took so long for them to come into being. It is rare – it is a rare invention indeed – that manages to be all greatness at once. But Nicolas Negroponte, his team, of the world renowned MIT media lab and their partners – have given us just such a breakthrough.
Well done sirs, well done indeed!
neo@macsimumnews.com
Rea Says:
I just saw a CNN report this weekend on how rice from the UN ended up in the grey market. So this is going to be a problem no doubt. Negroponte’s best intentions won’t prevent that. They should however, limit the initiative to areas of one country, per each country, to see which countries violate the spirit of this initiative with grey market activity before opening it widely to that country.
I wish them god’s speed.
Posted on November 17, 2005
Lee Says:
I think the unit is too versatile and is too easily prone to falling apart. The crank is separate as is the display and keyboard, though that’s a user option. But for kids, parts will be lost easily and without replacements, the unit will quickly be useless. They over designed it.
I think the purpose of the commerciialization of this unit in part, is to subsidize the global efforts. I still think the unit is a joke if adopted for US schools. Sorry, that’s just reality. It’s a toy in many respects.
It’s a start, so thumbs-up, but this is going to be a hard road ahead. Good luck to negroponte and team.
Posted on November 17, 2005
timboy Says:
You’ve gotta wonder what Linux, or some flavor means. Being that negroponte is using mesh, I too think that Sun could be the os to pull this off. I think your bang on that one.
I don’t think that Apple is one of the 3 big names bidding on this however. They have enough problems as it is, just keeping up with demand on what they have now. I also don’t know what Apple could contribute. Maybe pages? It’s got to be simple for third world kids, and pages is the only thing that perhaps would fit. What do others think on that point?
Lastly, Negroponte is on Motorola’s board and this is where I think he got the idea of integrating meshnetworking. So that may tip something moto’s way in this project.
Posted on November 17, 2005
Jarod Says:
As well intentioned as this project is, at the end of the day, it’s a $100 laptop which cost less than a $100 to build so I’m not really counting on this thing to go really further than sheer hype behind the idea. In a fairy tale world, this might work. In the world we live in, and esp. with the people behind this project, this is clearly not a true “humanitarian” move but rather an attempt to resurrect an extinct company. In real life, getting this project to really work is going to end up costing a lot more than $100 and then we’re back to where we started. Nice effort though.
Posted on November 17, 2005
Neo Says:
In the real world, the commercial world I assume you’re reffering to, will sell the unit for more than $100 per unit. That was stated in the report. The effort is as close to a humanitarian move as we’re likely to get, and although it’s your opinion, your cynical view is sadly misplaced. There’s no doubt that this has a hard road ahead, and I make that point as well as wonder if they’re dreamers. But good lord, they have the guts to give it a shot, which is something that pompus people...in the real world...sadly can’t acknowledge.
Posted on November 17, 2005
Jarod Says:
I wasn’t trying to be cynical; I simply believe that I can see a little further behind the scenes. Like I said, the effort and intention, are very much welcomed but its too obvious (at least to me) that there is some sort of hidden agenda behind all this. In my opinion, a 3rd world country that is in real need of help definately would not prioritize technology. That’s why I’m weary of this whole ‘front’.
Posted on November 17, 2005
Neo Says:
So, what is it that you see Jarod? What is the “hidden agenda, in your view.” Food is important Jarod as well as health. But food for the mind is the only way that these kids have a 1 in 10,000 shot of ever having a chance of advancing.
The nuts that blow themselves by and large are uneducated. Their only schooling is from fanatical religious leaders. Something has to be given a chance of succeeding, to change this digital divide. This is a start.
Just like U2’s Bono is trying to raise money and is a voice in the wilderness. Does he have an agenda? Everyone has an agenda. But at the end of the day if you’ve advanced a cause, it’s still worth doing, instead of just talking up a great storm or seeing hidden agendas.
Cheers Jarod
Neo
Posted on November 17, 2005
ken2 Says:
I think it is a great idea and one that other companies, maybe even Apple, will look at.
There has been a tendency to push for more powerful computers and larger displays. We want Mactels and Leopard ASAP and I have to admit that I love working on a 23” display.
This increasing power, however, isn’t needed in all situations. There is plenty of room to design very cheap computers for environments where the need for basic computing is the core issue.
I can see computer companies taking another look at the parts bins to find some older technology that will be very effective for a $100 computer. I can also see these companies designing this type of computer for use limited to specific countries so as to avoid hurting their current markets.
While I like the idea of a $100 computer the issue that comes to mind first is support and warranties. I’ve used computers since the days of DOS and I know that a HD will go south on me, or I’ll have a problem with a board or connection. I also know that I will need to call customer support (yes, even with a Mac) from time to time for help and it’s the quality of the Apple customer support group that gets me through my problems. People getting a $100 computer are going to be in the same situation from time to time and this will probably be the key factor in the program’s long term success.
Posted on November 17, 2005
Ray Says:
neo you did a fine report and actually covered it better than cnet and other pc sites that i frequent. I found your report at the bottom of Macsurfer’s opion area. They’d rather hear about soiled apple sweatshirts than give a decent article its due.
hey jarod, i’m waiting to hear about the hidden agenda. Anyways, I took 20 minutes to view some of that video and the interest from reps and reporters from poorer countries was great to see. someone mentioned that there’s a problem with too many parts. I get that now that I’ve seen the video. But they could always reinvent the design when that becomes evident. The media lab guys didn’t think that aspect of it out well at all. Yet it’s a start like you said.
Posted on November 17, 2005
Alex Says:
Some good point ken. But the unit is a network computer that I don’t think has a hard drive, if I’m correct. Also, while I agree with your limiting it to other countries, that’s not going to be the case. Negroponte points to small businesses and governments. The other report macsimum did on this subject gave details of google working on the San Fran project and that other parts of the country are looking at this for education. Like Ray, I watched a bit of that video too, and negroponte mentioins working with the State of Maine’s education system. So I don’t think it’s being limited to third world countries.
Your point on service is really a good one though. It’s not like the kids could turn to their parents and likely most educators will barely know how to use the unit, let alone fix a problem.
Posted on November 17, 2005
Sam Says:
The article fails to mention that another of the project’s sponsors is RedHat. And RedHat has been repeatedly explicitly mentioned as the OS that’s likely to go on these machines. It’s kind of sad to see that the underprivileged kids who these will be given to will not be given the best tools because of such deals for the monetary and political gain of sponsors.
Posted on November 17, 2005
Neo Says:
Good point Sam. I did fail to mention Redhat, because of the over riding noise about Google. The following is found on the One Laptop per Child associations site:
Its founding members are AMD, Brightstar, Google, News Corporation, and Red Hat, all of whom have funded both OLPC and the MIT Media Lab.
http://laptop.media.mit.edu/faq.html
Posted on November 17, 2005
mn Says:
How could an electronics product barely in prototype form, with no manufacturer finalized yet--much less the operating system and applications--possibly ship early next year? The certification process for ESD/EMI alone will take at least a month, and they can’t start that testing until they have production samples.
Negroponte is in for a steep learning curve when it comes to actually shipping product. Academics who have never had to deliver a retail product have no idea how hard that last 10% of the development cycle is. Historically one of the biggest differences between Cambridge and Palo Alto has been that Silicon Valley was always been about shipping something, while the researchers on the East Coast were satisfied with merely publishing their ideas. Remember the Jobs “Real Artists Ship” mantra?
If it ships by next summer I’ll be surprised.
Posted on November 17, 2005
Neo Says:
Negroponte went in to a little detail at the event about working with Motorola to understand mass production, being that he’s on their board. He’s under no illusion of the task ahead. He said it was daunting. Remember, that there are a number of large OEM’s bidding on this, and obviously they’ll choose one that has a history of delivering products in quantities.
The product likely won’t ship until late 2006. The unveiling was about a working prototype ready to go into production. He also mentioned WiMax as optional which isn’t due until late 2006/2007.
If Negroponte only saw a working unit 20 minutes before the event, then it’s safe to say that they’re behind schedule already. Negroponte had 2 units on stage. One with a static photo in it and the other that was live. Something tells me, that they weren’t even sure that they’d have the live unit ready.
So mn, in certain respects, your point is quite valid indeed.
Cheers
Neo
Posted on November 17, 2005
jarrett Says:
Honestly, these are great steps forward. I just wish that dollar signs weren’t in everyone’s path of vision. Google, Sun, Microsoft, MIT.... Everyone is seeing the bigger picture of market share, which leads to dollars. If there were a way to do any of this without the bottom line then I would say different, but there isn’t. The fact is, when this comes to development it will cost more than $100 per. It just will, count on it, maybe not much more, but definately more. Maybe once production is at a greater volumn ( 2008 2009?) Plus the commercial version will cost more than $200, no matter what. Company’s have to show profit to investors. Investors do not, and should not ever care about a good cause. If they did, kiss capitalism goodbye. Please do not try and justify what is happening here as a good thing. It’s a nobel idea, but in the end company after company is eyeing the 100-150 million units and seeing very large dollar signs. just think, google/sun supply online software for say $5 a month fee on their network. Or $5 a year, However and whatever, it’s all about money.
My 2 cents, jarrett
Posted on November 17, 2005
jarrett Says:
Plus, governments and businesses are not going to go throwing out millions, and tens of millions of dollars, euros, yen ect… of computers and software with what will amount to incompatibilities with these new “$100” laptops. Incase we all forgot, some reasons that companies don’t just jump ship to Apple is the fact that the current systems in place are to some extent not compatible. Plus you have already invested millions in your infrastructure, so it seems just cheaper to patch, than start over. So you say, okay Jarrett, point taken on the corperate side. But certainly Jarrett, other countries can utilize this program. Someone please tell me what country has an entire population of people have have the ability to customize an unfished OS, ( of any variety) to help benefit themselves, their community and the world? And what about the amount of training to make the utilization wide spread? Again, nobel idea, but still atleast 20 years ( atleast 20) from being an idea with the potential to succeed on the expected scale of succession...... the dollar signs are pushing this..... not the practicle.
2 more of my cents
Posted on November 17, 2005
Neo Says:
Jarrett, marketshare? I doubt that any third world kid will be buying anything. At these prices, I don’t see the big bucks and that’s why the open source community is the one the association is banking on for help. It’s a good way for some savy little programmers who want to try out new ideas and have a platform to test things out on - while helpinig children, governments and small businesses....in third world countries.
Negroponte is quoted above as saying the commercial unit will be $200, so there’s no news there. Even the $100 price tag is going to shift up to $110-120.
Right now, it’s pretty much a toy that will be a first step for third world countries. At the moment, I can’t see a single parent in the developed world that will support this toy for their children in school. The school boards are going to try to use this to get bids down on real computers - and it’s not going to fly. So I wouldn’t lose any sleep over this “impacting” G8 countries. It’s not going to happen.
The trend of NC’s on the other hand, is going to occur, and sooner than most expect. When WiMax and Mesh Networks are in place, NC’s will follow naturally. So on that front, it’s a great idea to test out NC’s in this third world effort while helping out this cause.
Yes Jarod, it’s a good cause - and there’s not much money in this to take such a cynical view. I respect how you see it, but just don’t agree. Thanks for taking the time to present your views. That goes for everyone thats posted thus far.
cheers
Neo
Posted on November 17, 2005
Neo Says:
Sorry about that, it’s Jarrett. My appologies.
Posted on November 17, 2005
Neo Says:
Just saw your second post Jarrett. Well, you have passion in what you believe in, I’ll give you that.
However, one of the operating systems on the table is OpenSolaris and who knows what others they have to choose from. So I don’t get your point on an unfinished OS. Being that this is an NC, the OS if you will, is online and not on the hard drive. And I think the likes of Sun, Google and the others involved in this effort know how to run networks.
Most of the underdeveloped world like Vietnam, Thailand, heck China are in alliance to develop on Linux. They don’t want Windows anything.
As far as 20 years go, I think that’s a little off-the-wall. Google has the type of software that’s working today, and adding little programs like a simple word processor isn’t going to take much. Again, I respect your viewpoint - but can’t agree.
Posted on November 17, 2005
jarrett Says:
NEO, the reason there isn’t an agreement between us is this simple. For as much info you have on a variety of topics, you forget that you are in the minute miority of people that have that info. Just like these MIT types and so on forget that they are a select few with the foresight for this stuff. Company after company will jump on this at chance so they can make money. How? simple these governments will think that these MITer’s are absolutely correct..... except what these governments will figure out is, how do we justify this investment. Sounds great, but how does this network apple in the next couple of years? What will it do for governments in third world nations? This idea will work, but it won’t be cheap, companies won’t be involved for free, especially to manufacture, and a noble idea will be taken over by corperate involvement..... I still have no info from you, or anyone that explains what the payoff of this is........you did suggest a few programmers.... how is there itentions of 100-150 million laptops aiming at these few young programmers? Like I mention, I agreed to the notion, and the practicle use of this notion...... but how will anyone just throw money with no site of return? Not all governments waste money like ours, although these companies are hoping that they will. If Negroponte gets to head this, and not make any changes in plan, then it could work in 20 years, how long has that guy been working on the flying “car”, 20 years or so, now he currently sells the engines for use in air compressors and the like so it brings the price point down.... but they still cost 600k +. My point is this, the manufacting will cost $100+, the first manufacturer will point this out, they will use a cheaper manufacturer who will have quality issues. Price points will need to be higher for this too work, eventually they may be $100, but it will never reach success starting out that low..... and i still don’t have an answer as to what purpose it will serve....or who will train, which also adds to the expense. Not trying to piss on everyone’s parade, but everyone is looking at the nobility of the idea, and not the idea of the cost and the added cost, and so on..... great idea, but not an idea that can be executed on this price point. Again, I agree that it’s all possible, but not cheaply, couldn’t these countries offer their poeple something of more importance than a word processor. How about better education so we can spread something important, like literacy? Just asking
Posted on November 17, 2005
Danny Strickland Says:
Think one word....JAVA!
That is why I believe the OS will be OpenSolaris. Add to this the Google/Sun alliance (Google’s brand name alone and globe striding ubiquity) Sun’s reputation in the server and government realms, and as I said before Java in its ability to bridge the heterogenius OS gaps worldwide, one platform, one world, (I know, I know, Java is not QUITE write once run anywhere, but it’s closer than anything else) and philisophically in terms of the $100 dollar computer, OpenSolaris is the most obvious choice.
Of course this is the U.N. we’re talking about so expect them to screw it up and there be a food for laptop scandal in the not too distant future.
Posted on November 18, 2005
Neo Says:
Danny, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a UN scandal and the grey-market be much stronger than expected. But there’s corruption in every government, at every level - and one hopes there’s a balance at some point.
Jarrett, today third world countries do have books and pay for books. Negroponte stated that poorer countries spend $20 per child for books. Books that could be put on the network digitally. The idea and budget comes from that thinking over a five year plan with the UN. All school books will go digital and therefore pay for the program. So it’s not just a word processor. However, a good little online Google word processor will replace the need for pen and paper that are rare in these countries.
Even at cost, companies make money as write-offs on their taxes for charitable work. And here’s the catch. Let’s take OpenOffice for instance. Once programs like this eventually have online equivalents, there isn’t much of a cost for the program, yet EU and other G8 countries will support OpenOffice or StarOffice knowing that the profits help pay to help third world country programs. It gives the open source community more exposure and credibility.
It’s in everyone’s interest to see third world countries - over time - pull themselves out an never ending loop of despair. It’s just a start Jarrett. A first step. No one is expecting short term miracles.
Companies like Oracle, Google, Sun and others look at the bigger picture. There are huge potential markets like India and China that will dwarf old world markets over the next 25-30 years. The larger cities in these countries will pay for the commercial unit at $200-$250 per unit to help subsidize it for other smaller towns and villages in their respective countries. It’s ground work to help get contracts for the future. This is where companies involved at the ground level will eventually make their money.
Thanks again Jarrett and others who have added to this discussion. That’s the spice of life!
Cheers
Neo
Posted on November 18, 2005
MacManic Says:
Jarrette, your arguments are far broader than the topic and really do come across like a bit of a rant against capitilism.
For a corporation the idea of making so many computers means that the risk is minimised thus large profits aren’t needed. Plus the product is developed AND sold already thereby further reducing risk for the manufacturers.
Yes people will have to make a profit but so what? You could hardly expect anyone to do anything at a loss.
Also you neglect to realise ANY of the positive impact that access to information might have on third world children which is the actual point of the exercise.
______________________________
MacManic
In Jobbs We Trust
______________________________
Posted on November 18, 2005
Neo Says:
Well said MacManic!
Posted on November 18, 2005
jarrett Says:
you all keep agreeing with my points. It’s not possible to make this all happen at their price point. Of course companies are going to make a profit, or else they wouldn’t do it. What I was trying to point out is, $100 a pop is not a reality. Now, explain to me please, How this program becomes a success?
jarrett
Posted on November 19, 2005
Anna Says:
Macsimum did an interview with ePals (URL below) that was interesting. I’m sure that the kids using this laptop, instead of books, will be able to talk/email to other children around the world or neighboring countries which is educational all be itself. It’ll encourage the kids to learn how to communicate more effectively, gain a love of writing and learning.
I don’t know what jarrett’s problem is, because the cost for the program (not the commercial one) will be 100-120. So what were you right about jarrett that wasn’t covered in this article on costs? You obviously just like hearing yourself repeat things like a parrot. If you can’t see the value of this, then you must be in highs school or are stuck in that age group mentally. You’re now arguing with yourself.
Once this launches, I think there will be more software for this than could be imagined. Many G8 countries will be budgeting for contributions to this project and it wouldn’t surprise me in the least to see U2’s lead guy bono get involved to help out PR wise. Africa is his calling and this is another leg of his efforts.
I wish everyone good luck on this project, as it’s an excellent first step.
http://www.macsimumnews.com/index.php/archive/epals_flourishes_wishes_for_apple_cooperation/
Posted on November 19, 2005
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Posted on November 22, 2005
sirian Says:
I’m in “that” age group and I regret that remark although it does seem fitting to many of my peers. To clear things up about the price tag here’s what i have heard so far:
Negroponte: “We’re not even going to promise they’re $100,” he said. -"They may be $115. What we’re promising is that the price will float down.”
-$5 keyboard
-500MB flash drive replaces hard drive and is less fragile - big expense but still only what $80 commercial
-128MB DRAM
-Broadband wireless / mesh network
-4 USB ports
-AMD chip specially designed for low cost and power consumption
-screen works like dvd players with no color filters so use 30% as much energy and super cheap - other big expense
-5 cent hinges like toddler toys
-rechargeable D batteries
-power unresolved most likely hand-crank and possibly adapter shoulder strap
-Quanta has already SIGNED on their lowest production contract ever THIS!!!
Jarrett, atleast google it before you condemn it
Posted on December 31, 2005
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Dennis Sellers
Dennis has been a newspaper editor/reporter (seven years) and teacher (seven years). He has over 4,000 magazine, newspaper and online articles to his credit. He has also covered the Mac and tech industries for over a decade for such online publications as MacCentral, MacMinute and now MacsimumNews.
Cats Says:
Kudos to you and Macsimum for reporting on this event even though it wasn’t an Apple centric one! Why should the PC press be the only ones carrying this.
As for the OS, I think you might be right in Google/Sun winning the contract for this. The One laptop per Child site uses realplayer exclusively, just like Sun. Sun has been on the war path preaching Community, computer utility grids, and Open everything from DRM to operating systems. If Google is the projects “darling” then we know which OS they prefer, which OpenSolaris.
But I wouldn’t count Apple out in contributing something of value to this project, unless Negroponte’s politics get in the way. I hope not.
The project as presented is likely to have some commercial success as you presented in your other report about San Francisco’s initiative. Governments are looking at this seriously as they are world wide with open source projects and adopting the new OpenDocument format. Another reason why Sun is likely to win this contract. If you follow the trends adopted by the UN and the EU, Sun has the advantage hands down.
Posted on November 17, 2005