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No Dual-Boot XO Laptop, According to Microsoft

Posted by Soulskill on from the bringing-bsods-to-the-third-world dept.

Yesterday, we discussed reports of Microsoft and the OLPC project working towards a dual-boot version of the XO laptop. Now, BetaNews tells us that Microsoft has issued statements denying such plans. The software giant has also reaffirmed their intention to develop a Windows-only version of the laptop. Microsoft's statement to BetaNews had this to say: "While we have investigated the possibility in the past, Microsoft is not developing dual-boot Windows XP support for the One Laptop Per Child's XO laptop. As we announced in December, Microsoft plans to publish formal design guidelines early this year that will assist flash-based device manufacturers in designing machines that enable a high-quality Windows experience. Our current goal remains to provide a high-quality Windows experience on the XO device."

9 of 160 comments (clear)

  1. Impossible task! by TW+Atwater · · Score: 5, Funny
    "Our current goal remains to provide a high-quality Windows experience on the XO device"

    I think most folks would be happy just to get a high-quality Windows experience on any computer.

    --
    More than 60,000 Windows programs won't run on Linux.
  2. Non-sequitur warning by ScrewMaster · · Score: 4, Funny

    ... a high-quality Windows experience ...

    --
    The higher the technology, the sharper that two-edged sword.
    1. Re:Non-sequitur warning by jollyreaper · · Score: 4, Funny

      ... a high-quality Windows experience ... Higher-quality, they mean. After all, they're talking about XP, not Vista. Give them some credit. Though the thought of trying to get Vista running on such modest hardware puts me in mind of that picture of the overloaded donkey cart with the donkey's legs left dangling in the air.
      --
      Kwisatz Haderach
      Sell the spice to CHOAM
      This Mahdi took Shaddam's Throne
  3. I heard... by isaac · · Score: 4, Funny

    I heard the stumbling block in getting "a high-quality Windows experience" on the XO laptop was the damn "View Source" button on the keyboard.

    -Isaac

    --
    I am not a lawyer, and this is not legal advice. For Entertainment Purposes Only.
    1. Re:I heard... by JohnBailey · · Score: 4, Funny

      I heard the stumbling block in getting "a high-quality Windows experience" on the XO laptop was the damn "View Source" button on the keyboard. -Isaac Yep.. It kept flashing up that Goatse picture.
      --
      It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his job depends on not understanding it.
  4. Re:Microsoft not sharing?! by TaoPhoenix · · Score: 4, Funny

    ... Negroponte didn't see this coming apparently.

    --
    My first Journal Entry ever, in 8 years! http://slashdot.org/journal/365947/aphelion-scifi-fantasy-horror-poetry-webzine
  5. cake by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    A computer without Windows is like chocolate cake without mustard.

  6. Some changes will have to be made by symbolset · · Score: 5, Funny

    There's an edit source button on the XO. In the Sugar environment it pulls up the source code of the current program for editing. In order to teach these waifs proper respect for the sacred and occult art of programming, it will be replaced with a device that delivers a mild electric shock. Of course, no matter how many times they press it nothing else will happen because unlike an operating system the Windows operating environment comes with neither source code nor a compiler.

    Before being permitted to operate their Microsoft Enhanced XO systems they must be taught the proper rituals of Windows Update, Antivirus Update, Virus Removal, Patch Tuesday and Troubleshooting Wednesday. These will be provided by a Microsoft authorized Training Center and will be four days of rigorous training followed by a certification exam and be offered for only $2300 per student.

    Because some of the XOs might be used in an isolated environment until Microsoft figures out this "mesh networking", the Microsoft Enhanced XO will have its malware preinstalled.

    Mesh networking is provisionally anticipated to be delivered in 2012, and a secure network stack is not expected ever.

    --
    Help stamp out iliturcy.
  7. The Windows Experience? by fahrbot-bot · · Score: 4, Funny
    Our current goal remains to provide a high-quality Windows experience on the XO device.

    I'm still waiting for that on *my* system.

    --
    It must have been something you assimilated. . . .