Disposable laptops?

[DearAbby]

ya know, I sorta like it. Vista or Windows7?

http://www.boingboing.net/2009/11/03/disposable-laptop-...

[drm604]

1. I'd prefer recyclable over disposable. n/t

[DearAbby]

2. Well if they are made of cardboard paper...

they can be recycled. And it gives it that generic look.

[Deja Q]

3. Assuming either pig of an OS can run on it...

Why not make better written operating system code to begin with? I've read enough to know Win7 still has problems from XP and before (such as random renaming of domain profiles, but I'm not going to usurp this into a dreary technical talking point).

Or make the hardware properly recyclable to begin with?

And who is setting the pace for rapid technology lifespans? And, indeed, who benefits financially from that? (methinks Microsoft is; making bloaty piggy code being a prime example of this cozy little problem-for-us-and-boon-for-them issue.)

[drm604]

4. Open source recyclables.

Put the templates (for the cardboard parts) and the parts list out on the web. Build one and load it up with linux. When one wears out, reuse the old hardware or, if you want to upgrade, sell or give the parts to someone who'd be happy with a lesser machine, then buy or borrow what you need for your upgrade.

[TeeYiYi]

5. Interesting concept. Needs work. One question...

..., well maybe more than one. My concerns are:

1. Proprietary information. How do you dispose of that? Actually, as I type, I think I know how that could work... Use flash drive technology and move it from laptop to laptop.

2. What is the purpose? My laptop takes time to load with info and apps. (Again, maybe the flash drive technology would solve this as well. Operating systems and apps on a removable flash drive.)

TYY Hmmmmmm.....

[TeeYiYi]

7. Any computer gurus out there?... I need your expertise...

What do you think about the idea of laptops going the way of cheap calculators? In my post above, I suggested that flash technology could be used to contain the important stuff and the rest of the laptop could be designed like a cheap calculator.

Is there any reason why this would not work? Am I missing something? Couldn't the operating system and all apps and docs be contained on a removable, transferable flash memory stick?...

The 'inexpensive' shell would contain the battery, logic board, graphics card, screen, cd/dvd drive, etc. Obviously, the cost of the 'disposable shell' would fluctuate based on quality variables.

Any computer experts out there? I'm seriously wondering if there's a reason why this might not theoretically work...

TYY

[Junkdrawer]

8. Batteries and the display would set you back $100 alone...

Add enough flash memory and a processor/chipset and you'd be up to $150 to $200 easy.

[TeeYiYi]

9. So, yeah, for now the prices are prohibitive...

... on flash drives for laptops. However, flash drive technology seems to be the future for laptops and possibly even desktops. As prices eventually come down (as they always do with technology), and drive space increases,... could this model theoretically work?

Could a flash drive, loaded with operating system, applications and proprietary documents be plugged into any laptop shell and work?...

Thanks for replying Junkdrawer.

TYY

[Junkdrawer]

11. Asus Eee PC 900A 8.9-inch netbook

http://www.dvhardware.net/review152_asus_eee_pc_900a.ht...

[TeeYiYi]

12. Thanks JD... So, it looks like they're heading in the right direction, but...

...lacking in research and development. They're using SSD flash technology for the hard drive but I'm guessing it's buried deep within the case. (Don't want the customer doing their own repairs.) The flash slots on the side appear to be for camera memory only.

The operating system is apparently pre-installed. A proprietary move on the part of ASUS to keep the greed factor in place. Makes the netbook less disposable. Lots of money in laptop repair.

So, maybe someday... In my mind (admittedly uncharted territory) the externally removable drive/OS could work. 'They' probably already know that and are intentionally avoiding the inevitable dip in profits. Or not...

BTW, I've used those netbooks. They feel cheap. But that's the point. If the most valuable component can be removed and carried in your pocket, the cheap netbook case would serve its purpose for students with backpacks and a nicer shell would work for home. Also, think of the security advantage...

Thanks again JD. I hope they are already working on an externally removable flash drive.

TYY

[noamnety]

6. They're a little behind the curve

judging from my own experiences, dell's been making those for years.

[DearAbby]

10. lol