Comment Re:Let's hope so (Score 1) 301
Wow, I accidentally post as AC (used Konqueror this time instead of Firefox and forgot I'm not set to auto-login,) and still get rated to +3 Interesting.
Anyway, I'll just toss in a personal anecdote here. I used to work at a Radioshack when I was in high school (I know, bad reputation, but the one I worked at was a franchise, not corporate, and actually hired competent people.) For a while, they offered a locked-down internet appliance, which ran WinCE on an AMD Geode platform. The original device was developed for 'emerging markets,' which is exactly what the XO is aimed at, so it was simple, affordable, rugged, and offered basic Web, Email, and Office capability. It worked with most major internet providers, including dial up. It did everything the average user requires. But, here's the kicker; it could only install specially-signed applications. They were only available through download, and the selection was incredibly limited. This was the limiting factor; it made the net appliances virus-free, but nobody liked the fact that they couldn't install their own software on it.
I was a nerd, even back then, so I understood the problems that can occur when an undereducated person gets their hands on a Windows XP computer. I'd try to sell these little appliances to all the grandmas and grandpas that came into our store shopping for a computer. I'd explain all of the virtues of the system. Then, if they were bright, they'd ask if they could install their Kodak EasyShare software or whatever on it. I'd have to answer no. So these people would end up buying a full-fledged computer, then never using it.
I managed to sell a few, but most of them came back. People would get home, then figure out that they couldn't install the "Super Video Poker 3" that they downloaded off the internet. Or they'd get some cheap, off-brand scanner or camera and couldn't use it because the device didn't have a driver for it and the third-party one couldn't be installed. Or any number of other issues. Then the thing was put back in the box and returned. The return rate on this computer was so bad that Radio Shack discontinued it. And it looks like the gPC, and even the Linux version of the eeePC, are going to go the same way. They'll remain what they are now: A niche market.
Anyway, I'll just toss in a personal anecdote here. I used to work at a Radioshack when I was in high school (I know, bad reputation, but the one I worked at was a franchise, not corporate, and actually hired competent people.) For a while, they offered a locked-down internet appliance, which ran WinCE on an AMD Geode platform. The original device was developed for 'emerging markets,' which is exactly what the XO is aimed at, so it was simple, affordable, rugged, and offered basic Web, Email, and Office capability. It worked with most major internet providers, including dial up. It did everything the average user requires. But, here's the kicker; it could only install specially-signed applications. They were only available through download, and the selection was incredibly limited. This was the limiting factor; it made the net appliances virus-free, but nobody liked the fact that they couldn't install their own software on it.
I was a nerd, even back then, so I understood the problems that can occur when an undereducated person gets their hands on a Windows XP computer. I'd try to sell these little appliances to all the grandmas and grandpas that came into our store shopping for a computer. I'd explain all of the virtues of the system. Then, if they were bright, they'd ask if they could install their Kodak EasyShare software or whatever on it. I'd have to answer no. So these people would end up buying a full-fledged computer, then never using it.
I managed to sell a few, but most of them came back. People would get home, then figure out that they couldn't install the "Super Video Poker 3" that they downloaded off the internet. Or they'd get some cheap, off-brand scanner or camera and couldn't use it because the device didn't have a driver for it and the third-party one couldn't be installed. Or any number of other issues. Then the thing was put back in the box and returned. The return rate on this computer was so bad that Radio Shack discontinued it. And it looks like the gPC, and even the Linux version of the eeePC, are going to go the same way. They'll remain what they are now: A niche market.
