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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."

2 of 160 comments (clear)

  1. Microsoft can only... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll

    Microsoft can only play buy itself... spoiled child.

  2. The OLPC can change history by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll

    By putting cheap, effective computing power into the hands of disadvantaged children, a generation of people who would otherwise have been uneducated will receive education.

    This is the transformative power of the PC, and the potential of the Internet and F/OSS for education. It's true "outside the box" thinking.

    Nicholas Niggerponte is really on to something great with this project. I hope infighting amongst the partners doesn't sink it.