Re: [ubuntu-uk] Alex (laptop, not person)

[Liam Proven]

On Fri, Feb 19, 2010 at 10:16 AM, Joe O'Dell
 wrote:
> That would be good for the "silver surfers" that struggle with computers, and 
> it promotes linux at the same time!
>
> I can't wait to see when this comes out - It looks as if you get a USB Key 
> that enables you to log into your desktop from any other Alex machine. Now 
> that is a good idea, but what happens when you don't have an Alex machine? 
> (Although it is a laptop, so you can carry it around with you!)
>
> Thanks for pointing that out Johnathon!

I think it's not so specifically aimed at seniors or older users. If
you want a Linux box for that, you could do worse than Simplicity...
:¬)

http://www.simplicity_computers.co.uk/

(Disclaimer: I'm involved with said company...)

-- 
Liam Proven • Profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/liamproven
Email: lpro...@cix.co.uk • GMail/GoogleTalk/Orkut: lpro...@gmail.com
Tel: +44 20-8685-0498 • Cell: +44 7939-087884 • Fax: + 44 870-9151419
AOL/AIM/iChat/Yahoo/Skype: liamproven • LiveJournal/Twitter: lproven
MSN: lpro...@hotmail.com • ICQ: 73187508

-- 
ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/

Re: [ubuntu-uk] Alex (laptop, not person)

[Sean Miller]

On Fri, Feb 19, 2010 at 7:47 PM, Alan Lord (News)  wrote:
> One of the interesting aspects of the design (if it's similar to what we
> saw a couple of years ago) is that it is all centralised, so they can
> update the OS remotely adding new features etc. As the OS, UI *and* all
> applications are in their control they can manage hardware resources etc.

As I said earlier, this is the bit that scares me.  What is going to
happen if the company decides its time has come and moves on?  Or goes
out of business???  At the moment, I can buy a second-hand laptop on
e-bay of 1999 vintage and it still works as it was intended to do.
Add a PCMCIA wireless card, download an up-to-date browser and it is
useful if not "cutting edge"...  what will these Alex laptops be doing
in 11 years time??  Will they even function?!?!?

Sean

-- 
ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/

Re: [ubuntu-uk] Alex (laptop, not person)

[Alan Pope]

On 19 February 2010 23:46, Tony Pursell  wrote:
>
> If this really is Linux - isn't this contrary to the GPL license?
>

They seem to have their own app on top of Linux, and as such they can
license it as they see fit.

Cheers,
Al.

-- 
ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/

Re: [ubuntu-uk] Alex (laptop, not person)

[Tony Pursell]

On 19 Feb 2010 at 18:51, James Milligan wrote:

> 
> On 19/02/2010 18:37, Rob Beard wrote:
> > I wonder what the underlying distro is, and if they will release the
> > interface under an open source license?
> >
> > Rob
> >
> Somehow I doubt it: 
> http://www.welcometoalex.com/page/alextermandconditions.cfm
> 
> Check under the You May Not section...
> 
> > *You may not:*
> > Make copies of the accompanying documentation;
> > SubLicence, rent or lease any portion of the Software or accompanying 
> > documentation; or
> > *Reverse-engineer, decompile, disassemble, modify, translate, make any 
> > attempt to discover the source code of the Software, or create 
> > derivative works from the software*
> 

If this really is Linux - isn't this contrary to the GPL license?

Tony



-- 
ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/

Re: [ubuntu-uk] Alex (laptop, not person)

[Alan Lord (News)]

On 19/02/10 18:56, Rob Beard wrote:

> Certainly looks good with a fairly clear interface, but I'm not sure of
> their claim of it being a computer for life, especially considering how
> quickly things change.

One of the interesting aspects of the design (if it's similar to what we 
saw a couple of years ago) is that it is all centralised, so they can 
update the OS remotely adding new features etc. As the OS, UI *and* all 
applications are in their control they can manage hardware resources etc.

Obviously it isn't going to be suited to the people who lurk on this 
mailing list, but there is a market for something like this I'm sure. 
Whether Alex is the right one/right pricing model remains to be seen...

Al


-- 
The Open Learning Centre
http://www.theopenlearningcentre.com


-- 
ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/

Re: [ubuntu-uk] Alex (laptop, not person)

[Rob Beard]

Alan Lord (News) wrote:
> On 19/02/10 10:59, Bruno Girin wrote:
> 
>   
>> Er... does it means that it comes with MS Excel or with an alternative
>> (such as Open Office)? Because I'm at a loss as to what "a Microsoft
>> version of Excel" is as I wasn't aware of any other version of Excel :-)
>> 
>
> It isn't MSO. Nor is it OpenOffice.org.
>
> They use a product called Softmaker (http://www.softmaker.com/english/). 
> Or at least they did when we helped them do their trial in 2007/8...
>
> The computer was running a custom OS built on Java IIRC.
>
> The product is aimed directly at Popey's mum & Daily Mail readers ;-)
>
> Al
>   
Having watched the introductory video, I think this sort of thing would 
be ideal for my Mum & Step-Dad who are both computer illiterate.  
However as they live so close I think I'd probably build them a PC from 
components and support it myself and save them some money.  I could 
certainly see the point though for someone say who has relatives who 
live say on the other side of the country and don't know anything about 
computers who want something simple.

Certainly looks good with a fairly clear interface, but I'm not sure of 
their claim of it being a computer for life, especially considering how 
quickly things change.

It also says you can buy additional 'latch key subscriptions' from them 
for other members of the family, so I wonder if that means you have to 
pay an additional £10 a month for each 'latch key'.

Rob


-- 
ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/

Re: [ubuntu-uk] Alex (laptop, not person)

[James Milligan]

On 19/02/2010 18:37, Rob Beard wrote:
> I wonder what the underlying distro is, and if they will release the
> interface under an open source license?
>
> Rob
>
Somehow I doubt it: 
http://www.welcometoalex.com/page/alextermandconditions.cfm

Check under the You May Not section...

> *You may not:*
> Make copies of the accompanying documentation;
> SubLicence, rent or lease any portion of the Software or accompanying 
> documentation; or
> *Reverse-engineer, decompile, disassemble, modify, translate, make any 
> attempt to discover the source code of the Software, or create 
> derivative works from the software*


James

-- 
ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/

Re: [ubuntu-uk] Alex (laptop, not person)

[Rob Beard]

Bruce Beardall wrote:
> I think it's a nice idea but given that the business is obviously 
> based around the support services, it strikes me they're charging too 
> much for the initial payment for the laptop.
>
> Just a thought.
>
> Cheers
>
> Bruce
>
I'd agree, for £400 I'd expect more than what they're offering:

Clevo M760T Laptop
CPU Intel® Celeron processor T1600
Core logic Intel® GM45 + ICH9M
Display 15.4” WXGA (1280X800) TFT LCD
Memory 1Gb RAM
Video controller Intel GMA 4500MHD
Storage 120Gb Hard disk drive
Built-in 10/100/1000 MB Base-TX Ethernet LAN
Wireless LAN AzureWave – AW –GU701
1.3M pixels Video camera with USB interface
6 cells Smart Lithium-Ion battery pack 4000mAh /
DVD+/-RW

For that sort of money someone could go down to PC World or Currys, buy 
a laptop with a quicker processor and more memory complete with Windows 
7, be badgered into buying Norton Internet Security and Office 2007 Home 
& Student with the 'TechGuys' phone and internet support bundled in.

Still fair play to them if they can pull it off.

I wonder what the underlying distro is, and if they will release the 
interface under an open source license?

Rob


-- 
ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/

Re: [ubuntu-uk] Alex (laptop, not person)

[Rob Beard]

Barry Titterton wrote:
> The BBC seem to have the costs all wrong. The web site today says that
> it costs £10 per month for the basic service, or £25 per month with
> broadband thrown in. It is cheaper if you buy it yearly. This sounds
> much more reasonable.
> I expect the ALEX people are really unhappy about this free publicity.
>
> Barry
>   
£25 per month isn't too bad, I presume that has some sort of limits to 
it, but then again I guess the sort of people that the company is 
targeting would not be heavy downloaders anyway so maybe 2 or 3GB 
allowance a month might be more than enough.

If it was £40 a month, then um... that would seem a bit steep to me 
unless you got the machine as part of that.

Rob



-- 
ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/

Re: [ubuntu-uk] Alex (laptop, not person)

[Barry Titterton]

The BBC seem to have the costs all wrong. The web site today says that
it costs £10 per month for the basic service, or £25 per month with
broadband thrown in. It is cheaper if you buy it yearly. This sounds
much more reasonable.
I expect the ALEX people are really unhappy about this free publicity.

Barry


On Fri, 2010-02-19 at 12:16 +, Markie wrote:
> Its a good idea, but I dont think someone would be able to meet this
> cost on the average pension. I dont think its a good way to advertise
> Linux to the masses myself it might give the illusion that its more
> expensive to have a linux PC.
> 
> Good point about the data side of this, id rather keep my own data
> thanks.
> 
> Mark
> 
> On 19 February 2010 11:53, Bruce Beardall  wrote:
> Exactly my point and before you even get there, you pay £300 +
> for the laptop. A little bit like paying the SIM-free price
> for a phone and still buying into the full cost of the
> contract with the network. I applaud their effort but if
> they're going to copy the mobile networks' business model,
> then copy it - get the laptop for free (or heavily discounted)
> and put everything into the support services. I still like the
> basic concept but it seems they're trying to recoup too much
> of their initial costs right from the start which makes me
> think they haven't much of a reserve as it is. And like Sean
> mentioned, what if they go out of business? It's not like the
> demographic they're aiming at would be able to simply install
> their own OS of choice.
> 
> 
> 
> On 19 February 2010 11:27, Joe O'Dell
>  wrote:
> >
> > Unfortunate use of the word "expensive" here. I
> assume they mean
> > expansive with an 'a'.
> >
> > Bruno
> 
> 
> No, im not sure they do.
> 
> It's ~£40 a month for the service, which I think is
> ridiculous.
> Especially as broadband is £15 a month.
> 
> Hmm... we shall see how this goes..
> 
> Regards,
> ---
> Joe O'Dell
> 
> Fedora Contributor (FreeMedia)
> http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/User:Ascenseur
> 
> bedsLUG Co-Ordinator
> bedslug.co.cc
> 
> DFEY Member (SouthEast)
> dfey.org
> 
> Ubuntu-UK Group Member
> (ascenseur)
> https://wiki.ubuntu.com/JoeODell
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On 19 Feb 2010, at 10:59, Bruno Girin wrote:
> 
> > On Fri, 2010-02-19 at 10:10 +, Johnathon Tinsley
> wrote:
> >> -BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-
> >> Hash: SHA1
> >>
> >> Anyone seen this? Looks interesting..
> >>
> >> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8522952.stm
> >
> > Very interesting indeed. It's a shame that the
> article looks a bit
> > clobbered together in 5 minutes and contains some
> very confusing
> > sentences:
> >
> >
> >> As well as communication tools such as e-mail, Alex
> comes loaded with
> >> a suite of open office software including a
> Microsoft version of Excel
> >> and read-only PowerPoint.
> >
> > Er... does it means that it comes with MS Excel or
> with an alternative
> > (such as Open Office)? Because I'm at a loss as to
> what "a Microsoft
> > version of Excel" is as I wasn't aware of any other
> version of Excel :-)
> >
> >
> >> Alex is trying to do three things: win new people
> over to the
> >> internet, introduce a new - and more expensive -
> way of using
> >> computers, and take on the might of Microsoft
> >
> >
> >
> >
> 
> 
> > --
> > ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com
> > https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk
> > https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
> 
> 
> --
> ub

Re: [ubuntu-uk] Alex (laptop, not person)

[James Milligan]

On 19/02/2010 12:16, Markie wrote:
> Its a good idea, but I dont think someone would be able to meet this 
> cost on the average pension. I dont think its a good way to advertise 
> Linux to the masses myself it might give the illusion that its more 
> expensive to have a linux PC.
>
> Good point about the data side of this, id rather keep my own data thanks.
>
> Mark
>
> On 19 February 2010 11:53, Bruce Beardall  > wrote:
>
> Exactly my point and before you even get there, you pay £300 + for
> the laptop. A little bit like paying the SIM-free price for a
> phone and still buying into the full cost of the contract with the
> network. I applaud their effort but if they're going to copy the
> mobile networks' business model, then copy it - get the laptop for
> free (or heavily discounted) and put everything into the support
> services. I still like the basic concept but it seems they're
> trying to recoup too much of their initial costs right from the
> start which makes me think they haven't much of a reserve as it
> is. And like Sean mentioned, what if they go out of business? It's
> not like the demographic they're aiming at would be able to simply
> install their own OS of choice.
>
>
> On 19 February 2010 11:27, Joe O'Dell  > wrote:
>
> >
> > Unfortunate use of the word "expensive" here. I assume they mean
> > expansive with an 'a'.
> >
> > Bruno
>
> No, im not sure they do.
>
> It's ~£40 a month for the service, which I think is ridiculous.
> Especially as broadband is £15 a month.
>
> Hmm... we shall see how this goes..
>
> Regards,
> ---
> Joe O'Dell
>
> Fedora Contributor (FreeMedia)
> http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/User:Ascenseur
>
> bedsLUG Co-Ordinator
> bedslug.co.cc 
>
> DFEY Member (SouthEast)
> dfey.org 
>
> Ubuntu-UK Group Member
> (ascenseur)
> https://wiki.ubuntu.com/JoeODell
>
>
>
> On 19 Feb 2010, at 10:59, Bruno Girin wrote:
>
> > On Fri, 2010-02-19 at 10:10 +, Johnathon Tinsley wrote:
> >> -BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-
> >> Hash: SHA1
> >>
> >> Anyone seen this? Looks interesting..
> >>
> >> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8522952.stm
> >
> > Very interesting indeed. It's a shame that the article looks
> a bit
> > clobbered together in 5 minutes and contains some very confusing
> > sentences:
> >
> >
> >> As well as communication tools such as e-mail, Alex comes
> loaded with
> >> a suite of open office software including a Microsoft
> version of Excel
> >> and read-only PowerPoint.
> >
> > Er... does it means that it comes with MS Excel or with an
> alternative
> > (such as Open Office)? Because I'm at a loss as to what "a
> Microsoft
> > version of Excel" is as I wasn't aware of any other version
> of Excel :-)
> >
> >
> >> Alex is trying to do three things: win new people over to the
> >> internet, introduce a new - and more expensive - way of using
> >> computers, and take on the might of Microsoft
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com 
> > https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk
> > https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
>
>
> --
> ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com 
> https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk
> https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
>
>
>
> --
> ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com 
> https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk
> https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
>
>
http://www.expertreviews.co.uk/laptops/275890/broadband-computer-co-alex

Just found that too, haven't had time to read it all yet however.

James

-- 
ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/

Re: [ubuntu-uk] Alex (laptop, not person)

[Markie]

Its a good idea, but I dont think someone would be able to meet this cost on
the average pension. I dont think its a good way to advertise Linux to the
masses myself it might give the illusion that its more expensive to have a
linux PC.

Good point about the data side of this, id rather keep my own data thanks.

Mark

On 19 February 2010 11:53, Bruce Beardall  wrote:

> Exactly my point and before you even get there, you pay £300 + for the
> laptop. A little bit like paying the SIM-free price for a phone and still
> buying into the full cost of the contract with the network. I applaud their
> effort but if they're going to copy the mobile networks' business model,
> then copy it - get the laptop for free (or heavily discounted) and put
> everything into the support services. I still like the basic concept but it
> seems they're trying to recoup too much of their initial costs right from
> the start which makes me think they haven't much of a reserve as it is. And
> like Sean mentioned, what if they go out of business? It's not like the
> demographic they're aiming at would be able to simply install their own OS
> of choice.
>
>
> On 19 February 2010 11:27, Joe O'Dell  wrote:
>
>> >
>> > Unfortunate use of the word "expensive" here. I assume they mean
>> > expansive with an 'a'.
>> >
>> > Bruno
>>
>> No, im not sure they do.
>>
>> It's ~£40 a month for the service, which I think is ridiculous.
>> Especially as broadband is £15 a month.
>>
>> Hmm... we shall see how this goes..
>>
>> Regards,
>> ---
>> Joe O'Dell
>>
>> Fedora Contributor (FreeMedia)
>> http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/User:Ascenseur
>>
>> bedsLUG Co-Ordinator
>> bedslug.co.cc
>>
>> DFEY Member (SouthEast)
>> dfey.org
>>
>> Ubuntu-UK Group Member
>> (ascenseur)
>> https://wiki.ubuntu.com/JoeODell
>>
>>
>>
>> On 19 Feb 2010, at 10:59, Bruno Girin wrote:
>>
>> > On Fri, 2010-02-19 at 10:10 +, Johnathon Tinsley wrote:
>> >> -BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-
>> >> Hash: SHA1
>> >>
>> >> Anyone seen this? Looks interesting..
>> >>
>> >> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8522952.stm
>> >
>> > Very interesting indeed. It's a shame that the article looks a bit
>> > clobbered together in 5 minutes and contains some very confusing
>> > sentences:
>> >
>> >
>> >> As well as communication tools such as e-mail, Alex comes loaded with
>> >> a suite of open office software including a Microsoft version of Excel
>> >> and read-only PowerPoint.
>> >
>> > Er... does it means that it comes with MS Excel or with an alternative
>> > (such as Open Office)? Because I'm at a loss as to what "a Microsoft
>> > version of Excel" is as I wasn't aware of any other version of Excel :-)
>> >
>> >
>> >> Alex is trying to do three things: win new people over to the
>> >> internet, introduce a new - and more expensive - way of using
>> >> computers, and take on the might of Microsoft
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > --
>> > ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com
>> > https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk
>> > https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
>>
>>
>> --
>> ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com
>> https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk
>> https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
>>
>
>
> --
> ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com
> https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk
> https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
>
>
-- 
ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/

Re: [ubuntu-uk] Alex (laptop, not person)

[Bruce Beardall]

Exactly my point and before you even get there, you pay £300 + for the
laptop. A little bit like paying the SIM-free price for a phone and still
buying into the full cost of the contract with the network. I applaud their
effort but if they're going to copy the mobile networks' business model,
then copy it - get the laptop for free (or heavily discounted) and put
everything into the support services. I still like the basic concept but it
seems they're trying to recoup too much of their initial costs right from
the start which makes me think they haven't much of a reserve as it is. And
like Sean mentioned, what if they go out of business? It's not like the
demographic they're aiming at would be able to simply install their own OS
of choice.

On 19 February 2010 11:27, Joe O'Dell  wrote:

> >
> > Unfortunate use of the word "expensive" here. I assume they mean
> > expansive with an 'a'.
> >
> > Bruno
>
> No, im not sure they do.
>
> It's ~£40 a month for the service, which I think is ridiculous.
> Especially as broadband is £15 a month.
>
> Hmm... we shall see how this goes..
>
> Regards,
> ---
> Joe O'Dell
>
> Fedora Contributor (FreeMedia)
> http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/User:Ascenseur
>
> bedsLUG Co-Ordinator
> bedslug.co.cc
>
> DFEY Member (SouthEast)
> dfey.org
>
> Ubuntu-UK Group Member
> (ascenseur)
> https://wiki.ubuntu.com/JoeODell
>
>
>
> On 19 Feb 2010, at 10:59, Bruno Girin wrote:
>
> > On Fri, 2010-02-19 at 10:10 +, Johnathon Tinsley wrote:
> >> -BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-
> >> Hash: SHA1
> >>
> >> Anyone seen this? Looks interesting..
> >>
> >> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8522952.stm
> >
> > Very interesting indeed. It's a shame that the article looks a bit
> > clobbered together in 5 minutes and contains some very confusing
> > sentences:
> >
> >
> >> As well as communication tools such as e-mail, Alex comes loaded with
> >> a suite of open office software including a Microsoft version of Excel
> >> and read-only PowerPoint.
> >
> > Er... does it means that it comes with MS Excel or with an alternative
> > (such as Open Office)? Because I'm at a loss as to what "a Microsoft
> > version of Excel" is as I wasn't aware of any other version of Excel :-)
> >
> >
> >> Alex is trying to do three things: win new people over to the
> >> internet, introduce a new - and more expensive - way of using
> >> computers, and take on the might of Microsoft
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com
> > https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk
> > https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
>
>
> --
> ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com
> https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk
> https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
>
-- 
ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/

Re: [ubuntu-uk] Alex (laptop, not person)

[Joe O'Dell]

> 
> Unfortunate use of the word "expensive" here. I assume they mean
> expansive with an 'a'.
> 
> Bruno

No, im not sure they do.

It's ~£40 a month for the service, which I think is ridiculous.
Especially as broadband is £15 a month.

Hmm... we shall see how this goes..

Regards,
---
Joe O'Dell

Fedora Contributor (FreeMedia)
http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/User:Ascenseur

bedsLUG Co-Ordinator
bedslug.co.cc

DFEY Member (SouthEast)
dfey.org

Ubuntu-UK Group Member
(ascenseur)
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/JoeODell



On 19 Feb 2010, at 10:59, Bruno Girin wrote:

> On Fri, 2010-02-19 at 10:10 +, Johnathon Tinsley wrote:
>> -BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-
>> Hash: SHA1
>> 
>> Anyone seen this? Looks interesting..
>> 
>> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8522952.stm
> 
> Very interesting indeed. It's a shame that the article looks a bit
> clobbered together in 5 minutes and contains some very confusing
> sentences:
> 
> 
>> As well as communication tools such as e-mail, Alex comes loaded with
>> a suite of open office software including a Microsoft version of Excel
>> and read-only PowerPoint.
> 
> Er... does it means that it comes with MS Excel or with an alternative
> (such as Open Office)? Because I'm at a loss as to what "a Microsoft
> version of Excel" is as I wasn't aware of any other version of Excel :-)
> 
> 
>> Alex is trying to do three things: win new people over to the
>> internet, introduce a new - and more expensive - way of using
>> computers, and take on the might of Microsoft
> 
> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com
> https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk
> https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/


-- 
ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/

Re: [ubuntu-uk] Alex (laptop, not person)

[Alan Lord (News)]

On 19/02/10 10:59, Bruno Girin wrote:

> Er... does it means that it comes with MS Excel or with an alternative
> (such as Open Office)? Because I'm at a loss as to what "a Microsoft
> version of Excel" is as I wasn't aware of any other version of Excel :-)

It isn't MSO. Nor is it OpenOffice.org.

They use a product called Softmaker (http://www.softmaker.com/english/). 
Or at least they did when we helped them do their trial in 2007/8...

The computer was running a custom OS built on Java IIRC.

The product is aimed directly at Popey's mum & Daily Mail readers ;-)

Al

-- 
The Open Learning Centre
http://www.theopenlearningcentre.com


-- 
ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/

Re: [ubuntu-uk] Alex (laptop, not person)

[Bruno Girin]

On Fri, 2010-02-19 at 10:10 +, Johnathon Tinsley wrote:
> -BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-
> Hash: SHA1
> 
> Anyone seen this? Looks interesting..
> 
> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8522952.stm

Very interesting indeed. It's a shame that the article looks a bit
clobbered together in 5 minutes and contains some very confusing
sentences:


> As well as communication tools such as e-mail, Alex comes loaded with
> a suite of open office software including a Microsoft version of Excel
> and read-only PowerPoint.

Er... does it means that it comes with MS Excel or with an alternative
(such as Open Office)? Because I'm at a loss as to what "a Microsoft
version of Excel" is as I wasn't aware of any other version of Excel :-)


> Alex is trying to do three things: win new people over to the
> internet, introduce a new - and more expensive - way of using
> computers, and take on the might of Microsoft

Unfortunate use of the word "expensive" here. I assume they mean
expansive with an 'a'.

Bruno



-- 
ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/

Re: [ubuntu-uk] Alex (laptop, not person)

[Sean Miller]

My concern would be where I stood should the folks doing Alex go out
of business... as everything seems to be stored online, what happens
then???

Sean

-- 
ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/

Re: [ubuntu-uk] Alex (laptop, not person)

[Bruce Beardall]

I think it's a nice idea but given that the business is obviously based
around the support services, it strikes me they're charging too much for the
initial payment for the laptop.

Just a thought.

Cheers

Bruce


On 19 February 2010 10:10, Johnathon Tinsley  wrote:

> -BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-
> Hash: SHA1
>
> Anyone seen this? Looks interesting..
>
> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8522952.stm
> -BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-
> Version: GnuPG v1.4.9 (GNU/Linux)
> Comment: Using GnuPG with Mozilla - http://enigmail.mozdev.org/
>
> iEYEARECAAYFAkt+Y5wACgkQ81bUwCB/xdiEAgCfTzSyDZODyyRrQ+G5WtBuBoJR
> adwAn2tN7PGpqM1xyUb92s9PPE5FJDOM
> =6kNC
> -END PGP SIGNATURE-
>
> --
> ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com
> https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk
> https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
>
-- 
ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/

Re: [ubuntu-uk] Alex (laptop, not person)

[Joe O'Dell]

That would be good for the "silver surfers" that struggle with computers, and 
it promotes linux at the same time!

I can't wait to see when this comes out - It looks as if you get a USB Key that 
enables you to log into your desktop from any other Alex machine. Now that is a 
good idea, but what happens when you don't have an Alex machine? (Although it 
is a laptop, so you can carry it around with you!)

Thanks for pointing that out Johnathon!

Regards,
---
Joe O'Dell

Fedora Contributor (FreeMedia)
http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/User:Ascenseur

bedsLUG Co-Ordinator
bedslug.co.cc

DFEY Member (SouthEast)
dfey.org

Ubuntu-UK Group Member
(ascenseur)
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/JoeODell



On 19 Feb 2010, at 10:10, Johnathon Tinsley wrote:

> -BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-
> Hash: SHA1
> 
> Anyone seen this? Looks interesting..
> 
> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8522952.stm
> -BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-
> Version: GnuPG v1.4.9 (GNU/Linux)
> Comment: Using GnuPG with Mozilla - http://enigmail.mozdev.org/
> 
> iEYEARECAAYFAkt+Y5wACgkQ81bUwCB/xdiEAgCfTzSyDZODyyRrQ+G5WtBuBoJR
> adwAn2tN7PGpqM1xyUb92s9PPE5FJDOM
> =6kNC
> -END PGP SIGNATURE-
> 
> -- 
> ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com
> https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk
> https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/


-- 
ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com
https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/