$98 Linux laptop makes Netbooks look pricey
Submitted by srlinuxx on Wed, 09/10/2008 - 16:46.
Move aside OLPCs and Intel Classmate PCs, there's a new cheapo notebook in town. For a mere $98, Chinese manufacturer HiVision is offering a Linux-based laptop, the NB0700, which makes even Netbook buyers look like big spenders.
There is a catch, though. The 400MHz processor is based on the MIPS architecture, meaning it's unlikely to be able to run Windows or any x86 programs. But if it's based on the Loongson chip, there is a chance it might simulate the x86 environment. However, this would mean a serious performance hit as well.
But for those comfortable with the Linux operating system, the HiVision machine offers a feature set competent enough to handle most productivity needs.
Mips linux is i386 ? Mips is same as AMD, without frills ?
Mips is i386 compatible and can run NT derivatives. 400 mhz is faster because of FPU cores for video(used in game consoles). It can also run Vista with stripped down number of threads(7) and memory protection(7 threads instead of one thousand). Windows virtual memory now is dynamically assigned(2 gb hdd is 512 mb, 4gb hdd is 1 gb, 8 gb hdd is 2 gb). Some of the i686 features has to be run in i386 mode(16 bit native instead of 32 bits i686 instructions).
If you think that is a step back, it is really a step forward using javascript and price affordable. When webpages are merely html marking(layout) language.
The future is cloud computing. Where computer has to be cheap to get on the net. Then cloud computing takes over your life. Which is joining social clubs that qualifies(excludes unpleasantness) your friends for a fee. Being able to buy and sell products and services thru a portal of selected merchants and factory outlets.
No doubt shanghai city planning will have government data centers(over 100,000 servers) built in every large city. where small companies can connect to data center by renting a few servers.
The cost of the computer is cheap, but you have to pay subscription to use services not available free. iPod is just the beginning of paying and paying thru the nose to buy music downloads.
No doubt, Mips will survive, Via will fail; if you have a choice doing only cloud computing. Then, of course, Mips will fail, unless they keep on adding FPU cells like IBM does for Sony playstation; when cellphones tries to take over the world?