XP is now in OLPC XO: Windows XP OX LapTop Now Official

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After almost a year of waiting, Windows XP is finally in OLPC (One Laptop Per Child). This child friendly device was originally developed with Linux as its OS. Although it doesn’t really matter to the kids who will be receiving them, users here have been clamoring for an XP version of the device that should be integrated to the market. It’s also a nice marketing strategy for Microsoft as they show their compassionate side to the kids. Microsoft, through Bill Gates already has a Classmate PC with an XP on it so XP in OLPC XO is a great addition to the device.

The reason why XP has been delayed for almost a year is that Microsoft has to build new sets of drivers that could fit to the very small storage capacity of the XO. With this version of XO, the mesh networking may not be available. Although XP has been squeezed to the bare essentials, it still wouldn’t fit to the 1GB storage capacity. Instead, expect that XO will be released with a preloaded 2GB SD card. The operating system along with the preloaded applications will take up 1.5GB. Since users will have a total of 3GB of storage capacity, they will still have 1.5GB for their personal documents. Besides, you still have USB ports so that you can have more storage capacity.

If you’re thinking that XP is way better than the regular Linux that was pre-installed, think again. The original Linux that was made on XO has a mesh networking capability and a programming application wherein you can play with it and build simple applications. The XP version however was built so that more options are available for possible users and for those who will be receiving the XO for free, would have a good idea XP will be if they ever have the chance to tinker with a commercial computer with this Operating System.

As for the availability for regular consumers; no word yet when the XP version of OLPC XO will be released. But we’re pretty sure it’s going to be a little bit expensive but highly tolerable.

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