Photos and Commentary On AMD's PIC
vincecate writes "I just purchased a brand new
AMD PIC
which has been on Slashdot
and
LinuxDevices.
I have opened it up and put
some pictures and comments on the web.
Some interesting things are that the system uses only 8 watts,
the Windows CE does not want you installing any software,
you can not get to the BIOS settings,
and I was not able to boot Linux." (He was able, though, to boot Linux from an IDE device on a mini-ITX system also based on the Geode processor.)
Like where to buy one?
I would certianly like to get one to tinker with and make do things that are against the wishes of the manufacturer.
Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
Look at the target market kids; some village in inner Mongolia or northeastern India saves up to buy a computer with the help of a government grant. The first thing that happens is someone accidentally screws up the BIOS settings or downloads and installs some flakey software. Wanna guess how easy it is to get a tech out to fix it? Be serious and stop your whining about WinCE and no BIOS access. It obviously isn't for you. The thing's capabilitis in terms of software/firmware were very carefully considered in light of its target demographic.
It's for poor people who can't afford to get online. People who make $1,000-$6,000 PER YEAR. They are people who don't care about linux, who don't want to install p2p, who don't want 17 different media players for their downloaded simpsons.
This PC is not for you, so the fact you don't like it means absolutely zero.
You moaning about it is like if you went to a soup kitchen, moved some starving people out of the way, tried the soup and proclaimed very loudly "This soup tastes like shit! I'm off to a fancy restaurant for a steak!". You don't see the point, as you can afford something better. Not everyone can. Count yourself lucky, don't put down their only option.
Date: Mon, 29 Nov 2004 14:06:53 -0600
...
From: "Hale, Brad"
To: Trent Jarvi
Subject: RE: PIC Linux
Trent, thanks for your interest in AMD's PIC. We have not entered an
exclusive agreement with Microsoft and are currently working with a number of
Linux developers for future support. Please check back on AMD's web site for
future announcements regarding Linux support.
Regards,
Brad Hale
Business Development
Value Platforms
Advanced Micro Devices
(XXX) XXXX-XXXX
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