Does the One Laptop per Child XO computer move the bar?
August 24, 2007 – 9:36 am
I read Jim Rapoza’s review of the XO laptop computer in eWeek last night, and I must say that I am impressed with the package that MIT guru Nicholas Negroponte was able to put together as part of the One Laptop per Child project.
The mesh wireless networking capabilities, the energy efficiency that allows the laptop to run on solar power or use a variety of other power methods that would work anywhere in the world, the screen that can be viewed in bright daylight and can switch from color to black and white to increase visibility, and the list goes on.
For those that aren’t familiar with the program, you can read about the One Laptop per Child program in more detail online at laptop.org. In summary, the goal was to create a low cost, extremely durable and low power consumption laptop that could be distributed to children in developing countries around the world.
The cost of $100 was the goal, and although it comes in priced around $175, that’s still an amazing accomplishment considering all of the features.
You can read the XO review online, as well as learn more about the software and hardware details.
To quote Rapoza:
“Put simply, the XO is one of the most revolutionary computer systems that I’ve seen in some time.”
“Based on earlier looks I’d had of the $100 laptop, I expected to be impressed simply by the economy, low-power capabilities and wireless mesh features of the XO. But what I saw firsthand exceeded these expectations.”
In a few months, this laptop will be rolling out to millions of teachers and students around the country. And I think they will be pleased.
Technorati Tags: OLPC, One Laptop per Child, computer, MIT, Negroponte, Rapoza
