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Originally Posted by shalym
(note the use of the word "was" in that sentence, implying that the developer allocation has ended).
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That's not what that means. The usage of "was" in that case means the allocation was in the past, not that the allocation was consumed. It was the last known factory order for the xo-4. We don't even know if the factory warehouse has stock. Apart from that it's anyones guess how many are available in each of the OLPC projects receiving bulk orders.
Quote:
Originally Posted by shalym
To me, this says that the only way to get a *new* one is from the grey market. This is not a road most people would ever consider.
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OLPC is not a commercial retail product that's produced with a profit motive (at least, not the Touch). So it's a bit off to call it "gray market", which would lead someone to believe that an OEM is getting shafted. The "normal" distribution channel in this case /is/ in fact the projects I mention.
Indeed most people (non-developers) want a glossy shrink-wrapped COTS product complete with warranty, DRM, and hand-holding support. So indeed the xo-4 Touch is appropriately marketed to exclude the avg. joe consumer.
The xo-4 Touch is for hands-on coders and hackers, and those who are unconventional.. those who embrace open platforms and oppose DRM controls. Those who want to /own/ their tool, as opposed to being owned by it. It's also appealing to ethical shoppers, who boycott DRM-based products and would rather feed a good cause than to feed anti-consumer paradigms with a COTS purchase. It's a niche tool for a small minority.
Quote:
Originally Posted by shalym
Even more importantly for this thread, the xo-4 is a *laptop*, which is not generally considered to be an e-reader.
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This is not a "general" laptop. It is an e-reader. It can also function as a laptop if needed, but the keyboard is too small for that purpose. For me, it's mainly just an e-reader (an e-reader that puts me in control). It's nice to be able to read a magazine in full color, and then switch to e-paper mode for daylight reading.
Quote:
Originally Posted by shalym
The OP actually said that he/she was not really interested in it.
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I'm not sure what point you're trying to make here. That I'm not a mind reader? That was after I recommended it based on the requirements. Thereafter, I only replied to you to clarify the availability (which would be useful to other readers who would want one, who might have also been grabbed by the "open formats" subject line).