The Other Invention of the Year
Fortunately, OLPC doesnt stand for Old Lame PC. It may be one of the largest education endeavors since Bible printing. OLPC’s founders point out that this is not a Laptop project – their interest is in educating 2 billion children who would otherwise not be reached by traditional education.
The design solves a plethora of problems and will be delivered for less than $200. The target is $100, but even at this price point countries such as Brazil, Vietnam and Libya have already signed on to provide the Laptops to their children.
I wont go on about the hardware, software design, etc. The project is detailed on the OLPC Wiki. Suffice is to say, that this will shame most devices, not just because of its iconic "ears" but because of it heart – its software and its purpose. Hopefully it will be eligible for Invention of the Year, next year.
For those of us in North America that can easily afford Laptops, you can indulge in retail therapy and some giving:
"Starting November 12, One Laptop Per Child will be offering a Give 1
Get 1 Program for a brief window of time in North America. For $399,
you will be purchasing two XO laptops—one that will be sent to empower
a child to learn in a developing nation, and one that will be sent to
your child at home…"
Let the giving begin.
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