The $100 Computer Gets Nearer

[engine]

The backers of the One Laptop Per Child project plan to release the machine on general sale next year.
But customers will have to buy two laptops at once - with the second going to the developing world.

Five million of the laptops will be delivered to developing nations this summer, in one of the most ambitious educational exercises ever undertaken.

Michalis Bletsas, chief connectivity officer for the project, said they were working with eBay to sell the machine.

The $100 Computer Gets Closer [news.bbc.co.uk]

It seems it's already priced at $150.

The other thing that's interesting is that Google is involved, so i'd guess their Docs & Spreadsheets are going to be the applications as the machines will be supplied where there is net access.

[coopster]

It's just you and me, engine. We are the only two people at WebmasterWorld that thought this was an interesting topic ;)

One laptop per child [webmasterworld.com]

[ken_b]

In Nov my favorite computer shop had a laptop on sale for $398.00.US. Too good to pass up, so I bought one. Not a real loaded system, but certainly good enough for a basic machine.

Around Christmas they had a special deal on the same machine for 199.00 or so on a limited number of machines.

With prices like that at retail for a laptop, how far away can a $100.00 machine be on a regular basis?

[The Contractor]

It's just you and me, engine. We are the only two people at WebmasterWorld that thought this was an interesting topic

nah...I put this right in the same range of $2.95 month hosting with 200GB space, unlimited bandwidth and domains...hehe Might be interesting to watch others go after it, but nothing I would try myself ;)

[coopster]

You didn't read the links, did you Contractor? ;)

You can't go after it, it's not available to just anybody. It is an education project. It's really a neat idea. Here is a video clip [redhatmagazine.com] on the hardware itself. Pretty cool design, eh? I could see this machine being very inviting for application outside this initiative though. I wonder if major manufacturer's are taking note? The "reverse-the-panel-thumb-navigation" is slick. I could see myself browsing the web in an easy chair with features like that!

[monkeythumpa]

I am really interested in the crank power. Why haven't more companies offered this. You don't have access to an outlet but need 15 more minutes of CPU time? Crank it 30 times and top up your battery.

[The Contractor]

You didn't read the links, did you Contractor?

You caught me...I'm guilty...I always read before speaking and the one time that I don't...it sure shows...hehe I thought this was the same old story of the $100 PC/Laptop that has been going on for years. This is a great project and kudos to all involved. I apologize again for not reading before responding (inserting foot in mouth).

[phranque]

in a year or so educational sites optimized for javascript-enabled mozilla browsers at 1200x900 might be a big thing.
not to mention games!

am i the only person here just a little creeped out that the chairman of olpc and the recently ex-dni, now "state dept deputy" are bros?
you gotta like the genes in that family...