Comments on: In Brazil, a local alternative to the OLPC

Using technology developed in Brazil, an urban community plans to turn school desks into low-cost surface PCs for students.

[Commander_Spock]

Not A New Idea!

"The tabletop PCs will have WiFi connectivity, Intel Celeron processors, small solid-state drives (no local hard drive) and will run a version of Linux. Each classroom will have its own server where all the data will be kept, and each teacher will have access to a content management system where they can input their lesson plans. Digital chalkboards at the front of the classrooms and will connect up with the desks...."

Remember "IBM's WorkSpace On Demand" (WSOD) Anyone!

"IBM WorkSpace On-Demand 3.0* Brings Advanced Control to e-Business Network Computing"

http://www-03.ibm.com/press/us/en/pressrelease/1650.wss

"WSoD Remote Client Connection & Pre-Execution Services"

http://www.scoug.com/warpexpowest/presentations/wsod-pxe.html

http://www.os2.cz/ebooks/nss3825j.pdf

True saying: "There Can Be Nothing New Under The Sun" ;-) !

[basraw]

is it cheap?

did ibm offer it as cheap?

What about Oracle and all the client (dumb)PCs we were supposed to have back in 98? never happened.

[James_U]

Your Point Is?

Who the bleep cares whether the idea is "new"? This gives kids a much more modern, immersive and superior way to begin learning and sharing. It can help educators and educational institutions and is a move in the right direction in terms of preparing the next generation. How does a discussion on "new" factor in?

Hint: Remember in the 1980s when everyone wanted a "Sony Walkman" because it was a portable device that allowed you to listen to music? Do you think anyone cared when Apple introduced the iPod because the idea of portable music wasn't new? Take a look at the latest Forture magazine cover. I think Jobs may have some insight for you.

JRB.

[Vegaman_Dan]

Indeed nothing new at all

Apple and Microsoft both had products in classrooms years before IBM did for this purpose.

But let's overlook who got there first- that's not important.

I like the idea of using desk mounted systems instead of focusing on easy to lose/damage laptops. The point made in the article that kids aren't on the go enough to stop and check their email is a good one. These systems are perfectly suited to being in a classroom.

[L_eandro]

Great news

It makes me very happy everytime I see that there are people in Brazil who struggle to inovate in a sense of giving brazilian education a chance to improve. I hope this project will grow far beyond Serrana´s bondaries.
My best wishes
Leandro

[lgmbackman]

Local is inportant here

I think the thing to appreciate here is that there is to day know how and energy to solwe problems and act in Brazil..
It makes me very happy, indeed.
And much because I hate to belive that people like Bill Gates are in anyway needed, although they would like to be, for profit.

[lgmbackman]

One thing I forgot

I would still prefere the OLPC because I think there might be younger children at home that will have a "kick-start" on the OLPC at home and in the neighbourhood.
Perhaps an advantage even for the parents.

[LittleDjalma]

Improving education

As a great politician said: "The money will never be enough for all population needs. We must priorize what's most important in health, education and habitation for all people."
In this terms, to destine money for this purpose, educational, is like look to a better future of population. Money that we'll never know what destination would have.
In short, to spend money where it realy must be spent.