Slimmer Linux needed for $100 laptop

[Nomad559]

http://news.com.com/Negroponte+Slimmer+Linux+needed+for+100+laptop/2100-7346_3-6057456.html?tag=nefd.lede

The One Laptop Per Child organization will use Linux on its inexpensive machines, but the operating system suffers the same code bloat as Windows, the project's leader said Tuesday.

"People aren't thinking about small, fast, thin systems," said Nicholas Negroponte, chairman of the One Laptop Per Child nonprofit association, in a speech at the LinuxWorld Conference and Expo here. "Suddenly it's like a very fat person (who) uses most of the energy to move the fat. And Linux is no exception. Linux has gotten fat, too."

The association hopes to distribute 5 million to 10 million of the systems to children in India, China, Brazil, Argentina, Thailand, Egypt, and Nigeria in the first quarter of 2007, somewhat later than the late 2006 launch Negroponte predicted at the World Economic Forum last year.

[RoyGBiv]

1. Something fishy about that ...

Not quite sure what, but something. The bit about Windows CE in the article and consultation with Microsoft may have something to do with it.

In any case, I gather Negropante has never heard of DamnSmallLinux, a 50MB OS, which seems like it would run rather well on the system mentioned. I mean, you can boot this thing from a USB pen drive.

[Solon]

2. Not to mention embedded Linux systems...

Like the versions used for Taurus palmtops or the GP32 game and entertainment system. Not to mention the ports of Linux onto the Nintendo DS and the IPod.

[RoyGBiv]

5. Just for giggles ...

I was roaming around the book store earlier today and picked up a book on embedded Linux systems and their creation. I can't say I understood the details, and obviously I didn't read the whole thing, but I did get something very important out of it.

As you imply, an embedded Linux system could be tailor made for this. Once again, I find the article a bit fishy.

[SKKY]

3. Exactly....Embedix, the OS on the Zaurus, could easily be modified...

...by lineo to provide what they need. This will get worked out. I still have faith.

[Solon]

6. As far as I can tell...

This 100 dollar laptop is simply a x86 system that is not the most advanced, about the same specs as a mid-90s model desktop, in that case, why not just use Damn Small Linux, with an obvious name change. :)

[bemildred]

4. PicoBSD

Something to check out:

http://people.freebsd.org/~picobsd/picobsd.html