If you recall stories covering the "sub-hundred" laptops that have been designed specifically to bring computing to a much wider world, you'll recall that many companies, including Intel and Microsoft, criticized it, some even referring to it as nothing more than a "gadget". While initially not mentioning these negative reviews, the man behind the whole deal has responded. He believes this criticism proves that what he is doing is right.
"When you have both Intel and Microsoft on your case, you know you're doing something right," Negroponte said, prompting applause from the audience of several hundred open-source software devotees.
Some of the criticism revolved around the limited functionality of the machines, but Negroponte stressed that the device is being created as a learning tool, not a techie tool. The real question is not the machines functionality or intended use, but "Will the laptop be a flop or be a major hit?"