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Steve Ballmer's $100 PC, Sans Windows

Posted by timothy on from the damn-bowlderized-damn-domain-name dept.

Martin_Flory writes "SolarPC has announced the $100 personal computer. Steve Ballmer's idea for reducing piracy was great after all, since this computer runs on Linux (DSL Distro). 'The design and construction of the SolarLite is consistent with the goal of an environmentally friendly computer. It uses a lightweight, recyclable, aluminum case that has a 20-year warranty. Its VIA chipset based "long-life" motherboard is a "green" lead free product. Like all SolarPC computers, the SolarLite operates on 12 volt DC power and can be run from a solar panel, car battery, or human powered (with a bicycle-based generator). The cool and quiet SolarLite uses approximately 10 watts of energy, just a fraction of what a standard PC consumes.' Sounds amazing right? This could change education all around the globe... a new Information Era is coming, and everyone is invited." The site claims they'll be available next month (minimum order 100,000 units), and promises a demo at SCALE 2005.

17 of 409 comments (clear)

  1. 10Watts of slave power by Hanzie · · Score: 4, Funny
    ... or human powered (with a bicycle-based generator)


    I have visions of slaves in third world countries on generator bicycles, all outside pedaling away, while the local bigwig surfs porn


    --
    ********* sig: If you don't like the law, get filthy stinking rich, and buy a better one.
    1. Re:10Watts of slave power by FLAGGR · · Score: 5, Funny

      I have visions of linux geeks loosing lots of weight, because they overclocked their SolarPC and it needs more juice.

    2. Re:10Watts of slave power by Gherald · · Score: 5, Funny

      > I have visions of slaves in third world countries on generator bicycles, all outside pedaling away, while the local bigwig surfs porn

      Exactly how would this be more apealing than just fucking the slaves?

      --
      The unofficial /. digest
    3. Re:10Watts of slave power by drinkypoo · · Score: 5, Funny

      Depending on how appealing they are, you might need one before the other.

      --
      "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
    4. Re:10Watts of slave power by 0racle · · Score: 5, Funny

      I envision less Gentoo users.

      --
      "I use a Mac because I'm just better than you are."
    5. Re:10Watts of slave power by samekt · · Score: 5, Funny

      Not to mention there could be a farm animal.

      Where? On the porn site or pedaling the bicycle?

  2. For leaders of a new Information Era... by frenetic3 · · Score: 4, Funny

    ...they sure do have a ghetto website. :P

    -fren

    --
    "Where are we going, and why am I in this handbasket?"
  3. Re:that's cool by frenetic3 · · Score: 5, Funny
    whoo dont's have much money a chance to have a computer and learn
    And not a moment too soon. :)

    -fren
    --
    "Where are we going, and why am I in this handbasket?"
  4. a new Information Era is coming by frovingslosh · · Score: 4, Funny

    Damn, at first I read this as ""a new Information Bra is coming". I kind of like my way better.

    --
    I'm an American. I love this country and the freedoms that we used to have.
    1. Re:a new Information Era is coming by Zorilla · · Score: 4, Funny

      You just stumbled upon a new paradigm of UI design.

      (o) Press here for more information

      --

      It would be cool if it didn't suck.
  5. Re:Miniaturizing is required. by Zorilla · · Score: 4, Funny

    Subnnotrenbiooklds are fgreast!@ Teh keybboardas sizzzxe dsolen't boethre me at allk!

    --

    It would be cool if it didn't suck.
  6. Hmmm by ICECommander · · Score: 5, Funny

    It's the solution to America's obesity problem: Stop buying computers with power supplies, just make your kids pedal away.

    --
    All your Sybase are belong to us.
  7. a metal project box from radio shack by Visaris · · Score: 4, Funny

    WTF, stylish? It looks like a metal project box from radio shack.

    How is that not stylish?

    --

    I am a viral sig. Please help me spread.
  8. Re:AWESOME!!!!!!!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    But it does nothing so efficiently!

  9. You're right. by StarKruzr · · Score: 4, Funny

    How silly of me.

    What's the capitol of Africa again?

    --

    +++ATH0
    1. Re:You're right. by corbettw · · Score: 5, Funny

      What's the capitol of Africa again?

      Africa City, of course. Jeez, you don't get out much, do you?

      --
      God invented whiskey so the Irish would not rule the world.
  10. Re:solid-state? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    This works with my wife:

    "You don't need another pair of shoes. What's wrong with the ones you're wearing right now?"