Faint Praise From WSJ For a Linux Touchscreen PC For Seniors 59
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by
timothy
from the nicer-way-to-say-euphemism dept.
from the nicer-way-to-say-euphemism dept.
quarterbuck writes "The Wall Street Journal has a review of the Telikin, an all-in-one desktop, with a touch screen, that starts at $699 and comes from a small Philadelphia-area start-up called Venture 3 Systems. It is much simplified (e.g., no PowerPoint editing), and the hardware is thought through (two microphones), but the review claims that the software is still buggy." I only wish it was based on a revenue stream derived from a cancellable subscription.
Thought through? (Score:3, Insightful)
I don't understand why having two microphones means that the hardware is "thought through"? Wouldn't hardware that was really "thought through" have only a single high quality microphone (or maybe an array of noise cancelling mics) instead of "an odd little add-on microphone poking out from the bottom"being necessary because "[the company] wasn't satisfied with the quality of the internal one."
And why does omitting Powerpoint Editing make for a simplified interface? Is the ability to edit Powerpoint presentations what makes other computers so complicated?
Subtlest axe job yet (Score:3, Insightful)
This author has promise. He doesn't go the Evangelist route. He starts by praising the system, explains his lengthy experience, and then goes on to explain that it might be good "but for" some plausible reasons that matter to the target audience - but pointing out that improvements are promised before warning that promises are often unfulfilled. The author is biased we know, but this is an awesome hatchet job. I'll give it 8 of 10. Poor placement by the vendor.
Or - which seems more likely - the product is not quite satisfactory, and a software rev would put it in the green.
Re:Wow, an endorsement from Rachael Ray! (Score:4, Insightful)
I am willing to bet that most /. readers know someone that they wish did not have access to forward and reply all buttons!
But seriously, it's a review by Walt Mossberg and it's not a Mac or an iPhone/Pod/etc. What did anyone expect?
Re:Price point (Score:4, Insightful)
Where else do you get a desktop PC with a touch-screen, stylus, and 24/7 support willing to help you with setting up Facebook account or holding your hand through writing an email? What, can you repeat that a bit louder, I can't hear you. Yes, that's right: nowhere!
This device is aimed at people who want/need a VERY simplified computing experience, so just slapping Android/MeeGo/whatever on there is not and will not be enough.