Built by the Broadband Computer Company, the Alex laptop runs an operating system based on Ubuntu Linux and a set of applications that have been written in-house. The laptop's features have been vastly simplified, and updates are applied automatically without prompting the user, according to company co-founder Andy Hudson.
Hudson said the aim is to simplify the experience of using a computer for those people who are annoyed or frustrated at their experience of IT. "We're targeting the disenfranchised people — we think there are 10 to 12 million of them — and the six million frustrated people," Hudson said. "It gives people who have been alienated or are scared of computers the chance to find out what they've been missing." Customers buy the laptop, which comes with a USB 'latchkey' to log into the machine, then pay a monthly fee for access and support. The Alex was officially introduced on Thursday, but began its rollout with a 'soft' launch in November 2009.
Full Story: Linux laptop takes the strain for technophobes - ZDNet UK
Hudson said the aim is to simplify the experience of using a computer for those people who are annoyed or frustrated at their experience of IT. "We're targeting the disenfranchised people — we think there are 10 to 12 million of them — and the six million frustrated people," Hudson said. "It gives people who have been alienated or are scared of computers the chance to find out what they've been missing." Customers buy the laptop, which comes with a USB 'latchkey' to log into the machine, then pay a monthly fee for access and support. The Alex was officially introduced on Thursday, but began its rollout with a 'soft' launch in November 2009.
Full Story: Linux laptop takes the strain for technophobes - ZDNet UK
