Major milestone for One Laptop per Child project

Mass production has started on the $100 XO laptop, which has been devised by the One Laptop per Child project (OLPC). Professor Nicholas Negroponte announced the project in 2002 with the intention of supplying computers to children in developing countries. He believes the start of production signals something of a landmark in the OLPC's campaign. He said: “Today represents an important milestone in the evolution of the One Laptop per Child project.”

When Professor Negroponte unveiled his vision for the project five years ago, his ideas were greeted by criticism, as well as enthusiasm. Many critics were quick to point out that developing countries had more important needs such as sanitation and healthcare. The laptop itself has also been subject to criticism with Bill Gates, head of Microsoft, dismissing its “tiny screen” and lack of hard drive. Craig Barret, chairman of Intel, was also quick to criticise the XO and labelled it a “$100 gadget.” However, Professor Negroponte quickly shrugged off these remarks by reminding people that the laptop was about education, not technology.

Although the XO lacks some technical wizardry, it certainly makes up for it in innovation. The laptop is encased in sturdy rubber and has no moveable parts, which makes it a durable machine. It also has a number of unique features that render it ideal for use in environmentally hostile and remote areas. As many children in developing countries have outdoor classrooms, the laptop’s sunlight readable screen is an important feature. It is also suitable for use in areas that have limited access to electricity, as it runs off low power and can be charged via a variety of devices, including solar panels.

The government of Uruguay has recently ordered 100,000 of these machines with an option to order 300,000 more and further countries are expected to follow. Meanwhile, Americans will also be able to purchase the laptops via the OLPC’s Give 1 Get 1 scheme. This scheme allows people to buy a laptop for themselves, while also donating one to a child in the developing world. Participants in this scheme will receive their laptops in December.

Source:

BBC