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Intel Ships 150,000 Classmate PCs to Libya

By Ed Oswald, BetaNews

October 31, 2007, 4:16 PM

Intel and Microsoft have shipped out 150,000 low-cost computers to the Libyan government, the companies confirmed on Tuesday.

While it is also said the Libyan government is set to receive a shipment of some 1.2 million of the OLPC's version of the laptop, so far shipments have not started. Thus Intel and Microsoft have beaten their competitor to the punch, so to speak.

According to a Reuters report, the government ordered the 'Classmate PC' in August and shipments began last month. Rumors of the order appeared in Libyan press back in August, however neither company confirmed those reports outside of the country.

Intel is also shipping some 700,000 laptops to Allama Iqbal Open University in Pakistan, so far the largest order. The company also confirmed Tuesday that Nigeria will be ordering the devices, although they did not say how many would be shipped.

The Classmate PC is capable of running either the Windows or Linux operating systems. It includes a 900MHz processor, 256MB of RAM, 1GB of NAND flash storage, a touchpad, and optional digital pen for taking notes.

According to Intel, each PC costs about $200 to make, slightly more than that of the devices produced by OLPC.

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By DatabaseBen

posted Nov 1, 2007 - 10:17 AM

it doesn't make sense to provide third world countries with our technology. eventually, they will use our own technology against us.

instead, we should be providing libya with books on democracy and cristian religion and animal and enviromental protection.

and all these free computers and technology should be given to our own "poor" children (PERIOD)

here in AMERICA we have MANY dirt poor kids living among us and in rural areas without shoes, clean clothes and are not attending public schools.

Score: 0

By preinterpost

posted Nov 1, 2007 - 1:51 PM

Christian literature? Such as how to rape your choir boy or burn that woman who is smarter than you?

Score: 0

By DatabaseBen

edited Nov 1, 2007 - 3:41 PM

your point of view has validity if you are referring to roman catholicism. they like everything else in the world has its demons, historically and present day.

it would be best that when christianity is taught to also be open and unfearful and to provide information on the evils as well as the good. my initial reference pertained to christianity and not ROME (Vatican).

it would not be unchristian to help those in our country who are severly unfortunate with our own technology and kindness first.

in the interim the unfortunate of the third world countries need to be taught the basic principles first, i.e what it means to be chrisitan, democratic, know some english, etc... Teaching them how to overthrow their corrupt governments would be helpful too.

Score: 0

By billweh

posted Nov 1, 2007 - 4:15 PM

Just as an FYI - Roman Catholics are Christian. Always have been, always will. :)

Score: 0

By billweh

edited Nov 1, 2007 - 2:13 PM

That is an unfair comment. True, there will always be sinners among the saints, but that does not equate Christianity with being wrong or evil.

Christianity does teach kindness, patience, virtue, etc. It teaches us to love our enemies, to help those in need. But sometimes our fallen nature gets the better of us and we do things we shouldn't do. It's called "free will".

God asks us to behave in a certain fashion for our own good, but he doesn't force us to behave that way. We can choose how and what we do.

Let's face it, we all sin. At one time or another, we all do things that we know we shouldn't do. But the mercy of God is such that all of heaven rejoices more over one sinner who repents, than one who never falls.

Score: 0

By bourgeoisdude

posted Nov 1, 2007 - 11:11 AM

I agree.

Score: 0

By zridling

posted Oct 31, 2007 - 9:13 PM

Seeing free software as a "competitor" forces Microsoft to burn money on a project they're not suited for. Another in an avalanche of bad decisions this century for them. With their stock stuck at 2001 levels, it's no wonder people are asking what direction the company is going.

Score: 0

By horsecharles

posted Nov 1, 2007 - 1:28 AM

I actually think it costs MS $0... unless if they have to provide a disc(highly doubt so).
In any case, it serves as good future sales / marketing / pr / entryhold into draconian markets... a win-win if you ask me.

Score: 0

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