Meet the OLPC's $75 laptop

I think that laptops for 3rd world countries would be a waste. Think of not only the upkeep for the servers, the laptops them selfs but also how will these children be able to keep it charged up, most 3rd world countries barely have any electricity. On another note, why not fuel the money to economy. I say if you want something done, start an organization that is granted access in to a nation, place truly good hearted developers who wouldn't exploit the people or land.

I'm sorry if my comments are too late and too long, but I had to respond. This is a group of people seeking educational solutions for developing countries. I'm not going to say it's the best idea in the world (I've been working in education in West Africa for 3 years, and have had a little chance to try the Sugar platform with kids, with mixed reviews) but it's not a question of "food and water" vs. "technology." People all over the world are clamoring for access to technology, whether you think they should be or not. This was actually an attempt to create an open-source learning tool that wouldn't rely on Windows or be outlandishly expensive, and that kids could actually use without it breaking in tough conditions. If they switch to Windows, which appears to be the case, that's an unfortunate compromise of their vision. In many countries, (such as The Gambia, where I've been working) basic education is at the center of development goals, as it should be. To say that technology shouldn't be a part of that simply because people are "too poor" is a bit unfair and shortsighted. We need to educate a generation of problem-solving, competent citizens in every nation. OLPC is simply trying to be a part of that effort, and while I'd like to see better-trained teachers, more books, and a host of other improvements in schools, I can certainly see the right technology as part of that.

NOT FUNNY !

I think this is a great idea, but I can bet that 75% of the children in my area will never see one.

I think a $75 lap top is possible. I think of the glass as being half full. Call me Naive.

i agree with you BetterWatching....

Why is everyone so cynical about such a wonderful program? It's really annoying that so many people make comments about food and water- do you not understand that when people are allowed to communicate and share ideas they have a greater chance of being able to help themselves and not rely on food and water GIVEN to them.

Actually I wouldn't expect most of you to understand that because all you use the internet for is trying to trump the cynicism of the last guy. Pathetic.

Viva la One Laptop per Child Program!

I have worked in some of the poorest schools in Dallas.
I worked at a elementary school that had six computers for a school of over 1,000 kids. Give these computers to kids in the United States. Feed low income children that may only get one meal a day. Which is lunch.

Why have food and water when one can have a laptop?

I used an XO recently and was amazed at its potential. The thing is, there isn't much wireless access distributed across the third world, but the XO's can wirelessly link to each other. People who say the XO's are only good for the poor to see what's missing severely underestimate their potential use for organizing and collaboration (not to mention sick electronic TamTam jams!). You don't need a corporate web to do that.

I think what this country needs is a swift kick to the teeth.

I think what this country needs is a swift kick to the teeth.

I think what this country needs is a swift kick to the teeth.

Bought the original - still haven't played around with how to use it but this is a nice upgrade.

Kids with touchscreens=sticky gooey ew-ee mess within the first few hours!

Take that $100 or $75 and buy food, gas or a laptop!

Carlosis - I'd hate to say it, but if you cant eat because there's no food, you probably cant read because there are no books. Or letters for that matter.

"I'm hungry. I need food."

"Here you go li'l fella, feed your brain with this."

"This tastes like electricity."

"Chalk another one up for technology."

WHOA!

"How about we work on feeding and providing medical service to the 3rd world first?"

Well maybe these laptops will educate them so that they can provide it for themselves and maybe revolt against their crappy government?

I find it kind of disturbing - giving the internet to the poor so they can see what they are missing. Im a firm believer that ignorance is bliss.

go team human

Great for school to invest in if they work like they say they do.

World feeding children last years ago, but this time to educated them .!!!!! thinks so

Touchscreen?
I can see alot of problems with that breaking due to kids being kids...

Gates is gonna get the 3rd world wired huh ? emerging market share and all that right ? great .

let our children readiing than playing the videogame!

These are my favorite people. "What this country needs is a good five cent cigar." we can now update it, "What this country needs is a good 100 dollar laptop."