Intel pushes for Linux-based PCs in China

I posted this article in Pinoy Tech Blog:

I got this from an article in LXer.com that extensively quotes a so-called “Chinese Halloween” document from Intel.

In a nutshell, it says that Intel is pushing for cheap desktop PCs (costs around $350, or roughly Php20,000) in rural areas in China, and surprise, surprise, the “Farmer PC” runs on Linux.

The document, which the LXer.com claims was from an Intel intranet site, discusses the strategy the hardware giant employs in gaining ground in a potentially huge market (”a whopping 73 percent of residents say they are willing to buy one”).

Wow, this is huge! Given China's potential market, I think Linux (and open source) is in for a windfall when it comes to gaining market share in desktops. Intel is in a strategic position to influence the industry, and with it vouching for Linux on the desktop, it can create a snowball effect on the massive adoption of Linux.

Of course, this could all be part of Intel's marketing hype, but there's no reason not to think wishfully. (via