The $100 Laptop

http://www.betanews.com/article/100_Laptop_Close_To_Reality/1127942365
from WinCustomize Forums

Interesting idea.

"The Massachusetts Institute of Technology says it is close to making available a laptop for developing markets that would cost around $100 USD. At a minimum the computer would feature a color screen, Wi-Fi, a 500MHz processor, and 1GB of flash memory.

The unit would even be able to generate power on it own through the use of a hand crank, making it useful even in areas where electricity is not readily available. Developing countries would be able to buy a laptop for every child, allowing new educational opportunities previously thought impossible."

:)

laptops
8,733 views 11 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top
That pretty nuts, cheers to them for at least trying. It will probably still be higher quality than the big guys...
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Ya know, it looks thin and small. I wouldn't mind getting one myself for browsing for college study.
Sins of a Solar Empire II
Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top
I just read this on another site awhile ago. I'd love to have one, especially since it wouldn't need standard electrical current to operate.
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
mine would die - i'd be too lazy to use the hand crank lol but that's way cheap!!
Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top
Heh, I'd buy one of those for BOTH my kids. Very cool idea.
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Much better than the plastic piece together card reader that I had when I was a kid!

Nice find, Island Dog.

Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Too bad...

http://laptop.media.mit.edu/

Please note: these laptops are not in production. They are not—and will not—be available for purchase by individuals.
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
That's cool as hell. Give em about a year after they go into production, I bet they'll be avaliable to the general public. If not, I guess I'll have to steal one!
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I hope it works out-- great idea
Reply #10 from JoeUser Forums Top
I have a feeling that the reason they can make them so cheap is by "cooperation" from the industry, i.e. selling parts at a loss for charitable reasons and then writing said loss off. Otherwise, why NOT sell $100 laptops? I'd buy at least two the day they went on sale.

With that kind of demand, I'd say there are real reasons why they won't sell them.
Reply #11 from JoeUser Forums Top
I agree Baker - my guess is they do it by ignoring any unfortunate royalty payments, so that's a real cost-cutter. Otherwise there's no good reason to not have a 100 dollar computer. Very few of the old-school components cost anywhere near as much to produce as the selling price.

I'd still be keen to get a crank-powered computer, even if it's just for the novelty. Oh, and being able to use a comp for more than six hours when i'm in the sticks.