The $100 laptop

I had heard about this idea but had no idea that it's come so far. As part of relief efforts, an MIT professor has developed a $100 laptop that's minimal in functionality but very durable and has web access.

It's pretty much water proof, can be powered with a hand crank, and has a lot of the same features you see on most low end laptops these days. It uses a custom operating system with limited functionality.

The great thing about these laptops is that it will provide a new level of interaction and learning to a generation who, in some cases, haven't even known electricity in their houses. They'll be able to get information from a number of different resources, not just what their government wants them to know. They'll also be able to interact with people from other cultures, as well as maybe even find ways to make money. What a great idea!

To learn more about the laptop, take a look at a detailed description here as well as a demonstration of what the laptop can do. (link via 37 Signals blog) - Paul Herring

Comments

[Cam Beck]

I tried running an OS emulator on my old PC and had some difficulty figuring it out. However, for simple tasks, I think this is a positive development.

[Sd card]

Hi, I am developing my site right now and I would like to translate and publish and a few more of your articles on my site, I hope you don’t mind. If you do - then I’ll just place links to them but I really needed them in Polish. Thanks!