OLPC Considers Going for ARM Instead of x86 in XO-2

The One Laptop Per Child organization, which has spawned the low-cost portable computer system known as the OLPC, is said to be considering the adoption of ARM's microprocessor architecture, consequently replacing the x86 one, currently used in the OLPC laptop. ARM-based processors could power the upcoming XO-2 laptop, a decision that will likely trim costs and reduce the power consumption for the XO-2. However, going for ARM raises one noteworthy issue, namely that of compatibility with Microsoft's Windows operating system, which doesn't support ARM architecture.

 

In a recent interview for IDG News Service, Ed McNierney, chief technology officer at OLPC stated that the organization was taking an interest in “some very interesting system-on-chip (SoC) designs that provide both fundamentally low-power demands and the kind of fine-grained power management in the XO-1.” Although the fist-generation OLPC uses an average of 5W of power, the organization believes that this is still its biggest problem with the device.

 

As with any technology, there are pros and cons to the adoption of ARM-based processors instead of x86-based ones. On the one hand, the former consume less than most x86 solutions from the likes of AMD or Intel. Some solutions, such as Tegra, even come with DirectX 9-class programmable graphics core inside an ARM-based SoC, enabling both performance and power efficiency. On the other hand, an ARM-based OLPC XO-2 laptop will lack compatibility with Microsoft's Windows operating system, which is somewhat of a drawback for the device, especially since most users prefer Windows. However, there are some rumors according to which the Redmond software giant is considering developing a future version of its operating system that will support ARM micro-architecture.

 

Unfortunately, OLPC hasn't made any final decisions regarding the processor that will power its future XO-2, which could indicate that the product is still far from finalization.