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What Happened to Simputer?
An anonymous reader writes "LinuxDevices.com has published a brief update on the much-heralded Simputer, the Linux-based 'platform for social change' that was intended to bring inexpensive, easy-to-use computers to rural Indian villages. In the last 12 months, only about 4,000 units have been sold -- well below the planned 50,000+ units. Three Simputer models priced from $240 to $480 were introduced by PicoPeta one year ago, whereas the original goal was a maximum of $200. A cost-reduced redesign is reportedly in the works."
You mean after 11 days this thing has again failed to win over the Indian market?
Maybe they should set slightly more long-term targets.
Even the comments are dupes. ^_^
The first thought that comes to mind after viewing such an object is, "yet another gadget for the tech savvy." It's like those people who buy the Nokia 9500 (correct me if that model no. is incorrect) $1000 "super phones" or other such gadgets that are more "I have this, look how cool I am and also rich!"
Will these gadgets really bring about a social change? I really don't believe so. Either way I look at it, I see these gadgets as doing little more or the same or even less than a Pocket PC, but including Linux instead of Windows. In other words, they are trying to be "cool" and "unique" and attack the "geek" demographic directly with "ooh loonix".
Either way, I'd rather buy a cellular phone that can include all these features, like the Pocket PC Phone or whatnot. Actually, I think this is just another headache I'll have to worry about getting stolen. My $300 bucks can go to some anime DVDs featuring cute girls in schoolgirl outfits running around with magical powers because they can see a red star in the sky - especially that biker babe or the teacher - I mean WOW.
We know what's best for you, even though you might not know it yourself.
-- GNOME Development Team
Practically impossible to imagine that the impoverished and illiterate of India wouldn't be lining up in droves to fork over years worth of wages for something as technologically underwhelming as the simputer.
It's a shame really, I nearly cry at the loss of productivity they never realized by using spreadsheets to better manage their goat hearding.
They SHARE TV with the neighbours? Man someone must alert the MPAA since they are showing American Shows. Sharing is so wrong. The TV set must strictly be for the consumption of the ORIGINAL buyer. If we don't stop these sharing commies, where will the world end?
"gift" is too a verb....
It's the verb that keeps on verbing.
I think it was replaced by Femputer.
"India is a net exporter of food. Even if India didn't produce a single grain of food, their stocks would last 3 years."
That doesn't mean a thing.
The French are net exporters of soap, but how many of them actually get a chance to use it?
- Rory [Microsoft Employee] | Free dirt: neopoleon.com
I see you aren't gifted with a working knowledge of English.
_O_
.|< The named which can be named is not the true named
Simbot: I disguised myself as a Simputer so I could rule the Indians.
Bender: But why?
Simbot: Why? Why? I came here from a faraway planet ruled by a chavinistic Manputer that was really a Manbot. Have you any idea how it feels to be a Simbot living in a Manbot's Manputer's world?
still sore because they were right about the WMD eh?