$100 Laptop

The Organization One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) has finally done what some thought to be impossible. They have organized the development and production of laptops that will cost only $100.The idea of this initiative is to empower the young students in poorer countries who don't usually have access to computers (and subsequently the internet). Many developing countries have signed up for this program, including China, India, Brazil, Argentina, Egypt, Nigeria, and Thailand with more to come. The laptop is really cool looking, with the screen area and the keyboard being turnable (much like a Tablet PC).

It is a linux-based system. The laptop will have a 500MHz processor and 128MB of DRAM, with 500MB of Flash memory; it will not have a hard disk, but it will have four USB ports. The laptops will have wireless broadband that, among other things, allows them to work as a mesh network; each laptop will be able to talk to its nearest neighbors, creating an ad hoc, local area network. The laptops will use innovative power (including wind-up) and will be able to do most everything except store huge amounts of data.

Apparently the reason it was so cheap to produce is because of the reduced quality of display on the screen and the lack of hardrive memory. Other than that the creators say it compares well with today's PC.

Can you imagine how empowering this tool will be. If more developing countries pick up on this and I am sure they will. The potential that this will initiative will untap might be more influential than any political initiative. Communication and integration of ideas and education of the young is a potent tool for the betterment of the whole world.

They say the invention of the television did more for political advancement than policies themselves because the world was able to see what the rest of the world can. Its as if the roads were light between countries when before everyone lived in their small little community. Television caused people to see how others lived and helped give oppressed societies that feeling of "Hey we are oppressed, so we are not stupid to feel like that." It gave them courage to challenge their government. The absolute core of it is information. When information is flowing, truths are usually found. The internet will do the same in these developing countries.

Economically it will be great too. These young students will grow up to serve their country more efficiently (better computer skills, internet skills, and a worldwide library for any info they need - think wiki community).

When I first heard about this project a couple of years ago, I thought they were insane to even attempt this, but they did it and I am very excited about what will the results be.

Pictures of the different styles and ways to use the Laptop.

UN Unveils the laptop.