New Linux Based Computer - But Not Marketed as Such?

[GregA]

I've been reading (AARP Magazine) and other sources about the "Telikin (aka "Wow")" Computer. Advertised as the first computer for "Seniors" and worlds easiest computer to learn. This system's been getting a lot of attention, including ads on the Rachel Ray show etc.

Of interest to me (and other folks) is whether the underlying system is Linux (or even Ubuntu) based. I've read that the head of technology for this company (Telikin) does have extensive Linux experience.

Any thoughts? Maybe this is based on Android, although I'm still inclined to think it's based on a more mature, robust Linux system such as debian, fedora, or ubuntu.

Here's the Link: http://www.telikin.com/index.php

[GregA]

Moderators - - pls feel free to delete or merge this thread - - initially, I added this as another angle to the same topic (re the Telikin PC) . . thanks.


Interesting system - the Telikin PC. Sold on Amazon, Sears, Best Buy and other major onliners. Uses linux back-end, but proprietary Telikin front end. I do wish the company success, but it's too bad the system can't be marketed safely as a Linux system. The "Seniors" market segment is huge, and will be growing.

Too bad Mark & company couldn't have come up with this from Canonical. Perhaps someone (other than MS and Apple) should look into acquiring Telikin.

Any thoughts?

http://www.telikin.com/index.php

[critin]

The "Seniors" market segment is huge, and will be growing.
Any thoughts?

An "Up & Comer"? I don't think so..

Any time I see a computer or other technical apparatus advertised as 'for Seniors', it's main functions are always 'easy email, photo sharing and web browsing', with emphasis on 'easy'. Nothing more. There are other ways to use a computer, and I imagine even 'Seniors' know a few of them.

I don't like the simple, toy-like appearance of this one and it's too expensive for what you get. What justifies the price of $600? I couldn't find anything about being able to download apps, so what you see is what you get? No mention of memory or disk size. No mention of cd player or usb ports.

Computers for children are similar and the cost is much less. Even Apple is making one cheaper. I find it offensive to assume Seniors would actually spend so much to get so little just because they're older.

Just my thoughts and my opinion.

[NUboon2Age]

An "Up & Comer"? I don't think so..
I don't like the simple, toy-like appearance of this one and it's too expensive for what you get. What justifies the price of $600? I couldn't find anything about being able to download apps, so what you see is what you get? No mention of memory or disk size. No mention of cd player or usb ports.

Well I looked deeper into it (like I bothered to watch some videos of it), and see its not "toy like" at all but simply an all-in-one PC from MSI running Tiny Core Linux with an all-in-one type app that covers everything many seniors (and folks who want more of a computer-as-appliance "computer for the rest of us" kinda thing) want. Perfect! It has a 320G hard disk and all the specs are generous. Well priced! Heck if you didn't like the software as is, I imagine one could figure out how to dual boot it with Ubuntu or other OSs. So I completely refute this negative attitude towards this clever machine. Sure its not Ubuntu or set up for a general computer user, but then that's not what its designed for.

[jerrrys]

Nope the company isn't talking about the OS, but a search on "telikin OS" revealed that there are flaws/bugs that telikin has acknowledge. So im seeing red flags.

[jack454]

This is on their website.
http://www.telikin.com/open_source.php

[NUboon2Age]

Nope the company isn't talking about the OS, but a search on "telikin OS" revealed that there are flaws/bugs that telikin has acknowledge. So im seeing red flags.

Well I saw those reviews from last year too. I would think major bugs have been resolved by now. No major red flags

[oldos2er]

Not an Ubuntu support question; moved to Community Cafe.

[GregA]

Thanks Jack - - that answers the basic question as to whether or not their system is based on Linux. Kind of interesting that they chose "Tiny Core" Linux. The engineering group apparently has a good handle on the technology involved, including development of their custom user interface.

What's also interesting to me is they've chosen a strategy of no Linux marketing etc. That has up sides and down sides. The up sides are less interference from the power players (MS & Apple), among others, but the down side is no community support and assistance for the user base.

IF this system were to start really selling (as in 100k or more units), MS and Apple will start paying attention - as in copyright litigation, or even outright purchase and suppression.

I'll continue to track this as I think the concept and plan is a great one - - I hope Telikin is successful.

[kurt18947]

<snip>
IF this system were to start really selling (as in 100k or more units), MS and Apple will start paying attention - as in copyright litigation, or even outright purchase and suppression.

I'll continue to track this as I think the concept and plan is a great one - - I hope Telikin is successful.

The target market of this machine might make litigation 'awkward', I'd think. "Why are you picking on Grandma/Grandpa?". I too find the choice of Tinycore a bit curious.