MIT Invents $100 AMD Linux laptop

[Nomad559]

MIT Invents $100 AMD Linux laptop

Massachusetts Institute of Technology have invented a crank powered laptop that can be made for $100.

The machines' AC adaptor doubles as a carrying strap, there is a hand crank to power them when there's no electricity.

It can fold into more positions than an Indian yoga expert and is covered in a rubber coating so it is pretty tough.

The big idea is that it will enable third world children to have access to IT and the boffins want to make 5 million to 15 million of the machines.

[philosophie_en_rose]

1. That's such a great idea.

I can imagine how beneficial it will be. And how efficient and eco-friendly.

There should be a market in the US as well. I wouldn't spend $1000+ on a laptop for a kid, but $100 is very reasonable.

[Telly Savalas]

2. The article in the paper I read about it...

suggested that they were going to market it in the U.S. as well. I think it said that Gov. Romney of Massachusetts was wanting to have one issued to every kid or a lot of kids or something like that.

[AntiCoup2K4]

3. Had to read it twice to make sure it wasn't an Onion style parody.

I'm still not sure......

Honestly though, the hand crank generator part of the machine ain't a bad idea at all for laptops in general. It could allow for some temporary power in a situation where batteries can't be recharged in the usual way. Of course, anybody with a broadband or wireless connection will probably be offline anyway, and if conditions are really bad, even dial-up might not be available.