Who cares about that stimulus package, right? Jobs, smobs, I say. No, what we’re concerned about is the nitty gritty of that so-called $10 Indian laptop. Is it even a laptop? What can it do? What can’t it do? Where’s Waldo?
So the laptop, again, really isn’t a laptop, at least not in the traditional sense of the word. Instead, Indian officials have described it as a “computing device.” It can run certain programs, including OpenOffice.org. It can even surf the Web. Once produced at high volumes, it should sell for $10; before that, between $20 and $30. (Everything I know about India I learned from the first half of Slumdog Millionaire, before I turned it off because it’s an overrated piece of Hollywood hype, so forgive my ignorance on Indian affairs and cultural norms.)
As you might have already guessed, it’s primarily being made for the education market, and higher education at that. Students needing to pump out labs and long-form essays, that sort of thing.
One last thing: please don’t compare this to the XO Laptop. This “computing device” isn’t charged with the lofty goal of ending world poverty or anything, but merely to assist higher learning.
you lost me when you spoke about slumdog millionaire. I’d like you to explain to me what was bad about that movie? Personally I thought it was a refreshing departure from what we normally see coming out of Hollywood.
Slumdog…that says everything, prostitution in the name of art. Lack of respect for poor ( but not criminals or immorals).
Just see the IPL auction. Those who eat the left over moral values of this otherwise great country sell their dignity, in the name of actors and actresses criminals who manufacture liquor in the name of professional organization.
Unfortulately, India is picking the useless and hyped socalled culture of west in the name of bollywood.
Is there any rule that moral values and scientific thinking can’t co-exist?
I agree with the comment of author. But let me also add few words for his knowledge. Film industry(decent prostitution) in India is filled and used by criminals. It need not reflect the Indian society as a whole, but certainly reflects where power exists, unfortunately.
Hollywood hype? That movie is fantastic!
Hey Nicholas, I’m an Indian (currently in Dallas) and i make it a point to finish up reading the hundreds of posts in CrunchGear and TechCrunch before i go to bed every day. And i must say i felt a bit sad and to a certain point offended that you claim everything you know about India was from the first half of a stupid movie that you correctly stated as being over-hyped.
What they showed in that movie about India was not entirely inaccurate but they could have shown the good side as well. It just seems unfair that the movie didn’t even show a glimpse of the high-rises (not even for a second) even though the makers say it is about a guy from the slum and there was no need to show the posh side of Mumbai.
Anyways, I don’t know if my comments are sufficient to change your perspective or the reader’s perspective about my country….but i must say that there is lot more to the largest democracy in the world than the slums of Mumbai.
Economically, we are the fastest growing country with our GDP being multiple times than most countries in the world and we like to keep our culture and heritage in tact while continuing to climb the ladders towards being a super power, that we truly deserve to be.
Sorry for the long post.
The ‘hype’ came from western media. Seems they got ahead of themselves. Add in some India-hating, scared American techies looking to bash anything Indian and you get this silly episode that will soon blow over. India has been around since the beginning of time and will survive SLM and anything a few lame bloggers can throw at it.
So is there a link that can give accurate details of what it really is. seems like everyone just has some rumors.
If movies just show Harlem and Compton as New York or LA I guess everyone would have same opinion about these two cities as you have about Mumbai. I am a former mumbaiite and current new yorker and I don’t see much difference in these cities. I don’t mean to offend anyone, just a frank opinion. And to Nicholas, come out of your den and see the “Real World” before commenting.
Nicolas – you sound like an ignorant idiot who’s never left his bedroom. Get informed. Get a life man.
“hollywood hype”
It is a british made movie.
i usually don’t judge people so quickly but jesus, talk about being ignorant.
‘hollywood movie’!
americans are the most ignorant people in this world…and stupid
Bit surprised by this post – had not expected you to have such a blazé attitude towards your own lack of knowledge.
And the movie was indeed made by a famous british director.
Poor.